The Tasmanian government says it will not pay to help stage Daniel Geale's International Boxing Federation world middleweight title defense. The Launceston native claimed the title with a win over German Sebastian Sylvester last month and had been trying to drum up support for a defense in his home state.

But Tasmanian Sports Minister Scott Bacon said on Friday the government could not justify paying to host the fight.

"Events Tasmania has considered the funding request from Daniel Geale's management team, and has recommended the government does not support the proposal," Bacon said. "In the current economic climate, I would agree with that recommendation."