Promoter Dean Lonergan insists boxing would be the easiest sport to arrange behind closed doors, but Jeff Horn and the Tim Tsyzu camp aren't convinced that would be the appropriate setting for their superfight.
Former WBO welterweight champion Horn and undefeated junior middleweight contender Tszyu were scheduled to fight in Townsville on April 22
But the show became another victim of the coronavirus pandemic which has decimated the sporting schedule here and overseas .
The ever creative Lonergan, who is Horn's promoter, has floated the idea of fighting behind closed doors, possibly at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.
"I think out of all the sports around, boxing is the easiest to do it behind closed doors because you've got so few participants," Lonergan told AAP.
"I've had loose discussions with (Tszyu's promoter) Matt Rose about potentially doing this in Townsville behind closed doors.
"Matt and myself can have these conversations all we want but if the two fighters don't want to do it it ain't gonna happen."
Horn didn't rule out fighting behind closed doors, but would much prefer to fight in a full stadium.
"Anything is of consideration at these times because you don't know how long it's going to be until you actually fight again,"' Horn told AAP.
"You would definitely want to be fighting somewhat soon, it's just the question of how and where.
"I feel like it's just a sparring session if there's going to be just a room full of a couple of people and just the trainers.
'I'd much prefer fighting in front of a full crowd of people and that's where I think I fight my best. I think it lifts me to another level, hearing the people cheering, just the atmosphere.
'If there's none of that around then I guess your performance kind of gets hindered just that little bit."
Tszyu's manager Glen Jennings said he hadn't discussed the behind closed doors option with his charge.
"It's not something that we'd be all that interested in, only because a fight on that scale, it should be a mega event. It shouldn't be hidden behind doors," Jennings told AAP.
"It doesn't matter if it's behind closed doors or in front of a full house, unless you're ready for it, there's no point.
"Every day that goes by where these guys aren't in full fight preparation is a day that they've lost in terms of preparation, is a day further away from a fight.
"Eight weeks is a minimum. Twelve weeks would be ideal for these guys to get ready.
"Battle ready comes from sparring, all that close up stuff that no one is allowed to do."
Australian Associated Press
