Daniel Geale rejected a potential million dollar offer and instead opted to defend his world title of boxing at his home place Tasmania.

The middleweight champion of IBF will fight against Nigerian-born and American-based boxer Eremoesele Albert on 31 August at Derwent Entertainment Centre in Hobart. This would be first major bout of world title boxing in Tasmania.

Geale remarked, “I remember shadow boxing as a kid, dreaming about what it would feel like to have a world title fight in front of my home fans.”

He added, “That dream has become a reality now.”

You should note that Launceston-born and Sydney-based boxer Geale won the title defeating Sebastian Sylvester in last May, by a split decision at the home state of German.

He got the choice of rematch against Sylvester besides other potentially-lucrative bouts overseas against Sergio Martinez and Felix Sturm, but he was adamant to defend the title at home.

Garrie Francisco who is Geale’s manager and event promoter commented, “There is no question Daniel is taking a pay cut by having a fight in Tasmania. But he was adamant on taking a world title fight back home and I think that should be commended.”

36 years old Albert holds a boxing record of 24-4-1. He has a height advantage against Geale.

Albert said, “Daniel Geale is a very smart boxer and a deserved world champion, but he goes from the underdog to the favourite for this fight.”

He added, “I think he likes being the underdog, but that won’t be the case this time around, so let’s see how he copes with the pressure of being favourite to win.”