Horn-Crawford set for June 9 in Vegas

Jeff Horn's mandatory WBO welterweight title defence against Terence Crawford has been set down for June 9, according to reports.

Horn's US boxing debut had been scheduled for April 14 at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas but was postponed due to a right-hand injury suffered by Crawford in sparring.

ESPN says multiple sources have indicated the new date is locked in but the venue has shifted to the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

That is where Floyd Mayweather defeated Manny Pacquiao in May 2015, one of the highest-grossing events in sporting history.

Horn-Crawford will be but a splash in the ocean in comparison to that megafight, having so far struggled to generate interest in the crowded US market.

But the recent war of words between the two camps over Crawford's decision to delay the bout due to injury could provide the promotional foothold their clash has desperately needed.

Horn and Crawford are both 30 years old and undefeated in their professional careers.

The former undisputed light welterweight champion of the world, Crawford is heavily favoured to win in his first fight at the 66.67kg limit but may encounter trouble against the bigger-bodied, unorthodox Horn.

Horn will reportedly rake in a career-high $2.5 million from the match-up.

Comment is being sought from Horn's promoters, Duco Events.