Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has seemingly ruled out Government assistance to bring the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder world title fight to New Zealand.
On Tuesday, American promoter Bob Arum told Newshub that New Zealand was a frontrunner to host the epic heavyweight boxing showdown.
But Government support would be critical and co-promoter Dean Lonergan, who spawned the concept, said they'd look to tap into the $400 million set aside for tourism as part of the COVID-19 relief package.
But on Wednesday, Ardern said the event was not a priority, with the focus for sports funding to remain centered on NZ competitions.
"At the moment, obviously our support, as a Government, has been into getting our domestic competitions back on track," Ardern said.
"I know New Zealanders are looking forward to supporting some of our home teams, and that's where our energy and effort has been so far."
Lonergan believes the event would be an ideal way to help revitalise the economy, while also celebrating New Zealand's success at being one of the world's first coronavirus-free countries.
"It'd be a great way to say to the world we've conquered this thing and here's what we can do," Lonergan has told Newshub.
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis says funds will be directed towards reinvigorating local ventures in the first instance, but events will likely come into the picture.
"What we've done so far is look at businesses who supply opportunities for NZ visitors," Davis says.
"What we have to start looking at now is demand - what is going to drive for New Zealanders to get around the country?
"We've had conversations about what the demand side may look like and events could be part of it."
Davis adds that a global event like the Fury-Wilder bout would fall under the remit of Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford.
Lonergan suggests Eden Park would be a viable host venue and chief executive Nick Sautner says he'd be "super keen" to look at the concept.
"Given what we've seen with COVID-19, this is the injection that's needed back into the economy," says Sautner.
