- Alex Leapai Jr is destined for a big future in rugby league
- But he has his sights set on the boxing ring
- Youngster’s father was a heavyweight title challenger
Footy star Alex Leapai Jr is reportedly considering ripping up his lucrative MR: contract to pursue his boxing dream.
Puglism runs in the family, with his father Alex Leapai Sr once fighting for the world heavyweight title in a fight he lost to Wladimir Klitschko in 2014.
Alex Leapai Junior (pictured left in Titans gear) gets his boxing talents from his father Alex (right), who fought Wladimir Klitschko for the world heavyweight title
And among those close to Junior, there is a serious belief that he can emulate his father and even go one step further by winning the sport’s biggest individual prize.
“When I look at this kid, I believe he can become heavyweight champion of the world,” said boxing coach Noel Thornberry, who was in Alex Senior’s corner for Klitschko’s loss.
He also said the hulking prop is Australia’s best heavyweight talent in 50 years.
‘Alex Jr. is a monster and if he doesn’t win the world title I think he at least gets the chance to fight for it like his father.
‘I think Alex prefers boxing to rugby league.
‘I’ve spoken to Alex and his old man and they actually think the world heavyweight title belongs to them.
“His father has come a long way in boxing and, as Alex says, he wants to finish what his father started.
Leapai (pictured with Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas) will make his professional debut in Adelaide on a card that will also feature some of the AFL’s big names
Alex Leapai Senior’s trainer Noel Thornberry (pictured as he prepares the fighter for his Klitschko fight) believes Alex Junior is the best Australian heavyweight prospect in 50 years
“I’ve been training Alex since he was a young boy and you don’t see boxing like this very often in your life.
“This is one of the most exciting stories in Australian boxing.”
Leapai Jr begins his boxing journey on Tuesday when he announces his professional debut against Joe Ageli (2-1) at an Adelaide card made up of former AFL stars.
If he chooses not to box, Leapai Jr is set for a huge NRL career and will be expected to steamroll his opponents, just as he has done for high school team Mabel Park High.
“I don’t think there are many fighters in the world as powerful as him, to be honest,” Thornberry added.
“Tyson Fury once said that Alex Leapai Senior was the hardest puncher in the heavyweight division and Alex already has that power and in time he would punch harder than his father.
“I’ve held the pads for both boys and Alex Jr. is just a bigger version of his dad.
‘He currently weighs 120kg and is 1.80m tall at the age of 18. He could grow some more.’
