- Alex Leapai Jr is destined for a big rugby league future
- 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 tearing 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 heavyweight world title in a 2014 bout he lost to Wladimir Klitschko.
Alex Leapai Junior (pictured left in Titans gear) gets his boxing talent from his father Alex (right), who fought Wladimir Klitschko for the world heavyweight title
And there is the serious belief among those close to Junior that he can emulate his father and even go one better, winning the biggest individual prize in sport.
‘Looking at this kid, I believe he can be heavyweight champion of the world,’ said boxing trainer Noel Thornberry, who was in Alex Senior’s corner for the Klitschko 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 believe he will at least get the opportunity to fight for one like his dad did.
‘I think Alex is leaning towards going to boxing over rugby league.
‘I’ve sat down with Alex and his old man and they basically feel the heavyweight world title belongs at their house.
‘His dad went a long way in boxing and as Alex says, he wants to finish what his dad started.
Leapai (pictured with Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas) is due to make his professional debut in Adelaide on a card that will also feature some big names from the AFL
Alex Leapai Senior’s trainer Noel Thornberry (pictured preparing the fighter for his Klitschko bout) believes Alex Junior is the best Aussie heavyweight prospect in 50 years
‘I have been training Alex since he was a young boy and you don’t see boxing like this very often in your lifetime.
‘This is one of the most exciting stories in Australian boxing.’
Leapai Jr will begin his boxing journey on Tuesday, when he announces his pro debut against Joe Ageli (2-1) during a card in Adelaide made up of former AFL stars.
If he opts against taking up boxing, Leapai Jr is set for a huge NRL career and is expected to steamroll his opponents, just as he has done for high school team Mabel Park High.
‘I don’t think there’s many fighters in the world as powerful as him, I honestly don’t,’ Thornberry added.
‘Tyson Fury once said Alex Leapai Senior was the hardest puncher in the heavyweight division and Alex already has that power and in time, I’d say he will hit harder than his dad.
‘I’ve held the pads for both guys and Alex junior is just a bigger version of his dad.
‘He is 120kg at the moment and he is six foot four at 18 years of age. He could still grow some more.’
