Alex Leapai

Last updated

Alex Leapai
Born
Elise Leapai

(1979-10-16) 16 October 1979 (age 44)
Lauli'i, Upolu, Western Samoa
NationalityAustralian
Other namesThe Lionheart
Statistics
Weight(s) Heavyweight
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Reach190 cm (75 in)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights44
Wins32
Wins by KO26
Losses8
Draws4

EliseLeapai (born 16 October 1979) is a Samoan Australian former professional boxer. His career highlight was a fight against Wladimir Klitschko in 2014, for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, The Ring magazine and lineal heavyweight titles.

Contents

Early life

Leapai's parents, Faataui and Leitu, moved their family from Laulii, Samoa when he was 7 to New Zealand, where they lived until he was 12. In New Zealand, Leapai attended Owairaka Primary School in Mt Albert and played rugby league for Marist Saints, as did his one-time sparring partner Sonny Bill Williams. Upon moving to Australia, Leapai's family settled in Logan, Queensland. In Logan, Leapai played junior rugby league for Logan Brothers alongside future Australian rugby league and rugby union international Lote Tuqiri. While playing for Brothers, Leapai was offered a scholarship with the National Rugby League side, the North Queensland Cowboys. [1] [2]

Leapai has four brothers, Leati, Stefano and Faatni (known as Leroy), who spent four years with the London Broncos in the Super League. [1] His cousin is Australia and Queensland representative Josh Papalii.

Professional career

Alex Leapai defeated Denis Boytsov on 23 November 2013 in Germany. Boytsov was the WBO's mandatory challenger for Klitschko, but when Leapai defeated Boytsov, Leapai was named mandatory challenger even though the Boytsov-Leapai bout was not an official elimination bout. [3]

Dan Rafael for ESPN.com reported on 3 February 2014 that "Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will make his 16th title defense when he faces Alex Leapai, one of his mandatory challengers, on 26 April in at the König-Pilsener-Arena in Oberhausen, Germany, as K2 Promotions announced Monday. The Klitschko and Leapai camps had agreed to a deal several weeks ago, which allowed them to avoid a purse bid, but it has now been signed. Leapai (30-4-3, 24 KOs), 34, a native of Samoa living in Australia, came out of nowhere to be appointed as the mandatory challenger by the WBO after scoring a major upset." [4]

Leapai vs. Wladmir Klitschko

Despite the fact that Klitschko possessed an overwhelming advantage over his challenger, the Ukrainian was quoted as saying the bout was "the most important fight of my career" due to the political backdrop of the encounter from a Ukrainian point of view. [5] Early in 2014 Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and consequently, both nations were mobilising for the possibility of war in the short term. [6] Vladmir's brother Vitali Klitschko was preparing to run for the Ukrainian presidency in looming May elections and the 37-year-old title holder admitted boxing was second in his mind to the political upheaval in his homeland. [5] As the fight Klitschko claimed the spectacle would be ever important to "boost the morale" of his countrymen. [7]

Former world heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs interrupted a pre-fight press conference in Germany just days before the anticipated bout. [8] Briggs challenged Klitschko for a fight and accused Leapai of being an unworthy opponent for Klitschko. [8]

Leapai was knocked out by Klitschko in the fifth round of a fight scheduled for 12 rounds. [9] Leapai was knocked down barely more than a minute into the bout. [9] Klitschko retained his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO championship belts and used his height and reach advantage to control the fight with Leapai. [10] Leapai reportedly rattled his opponent once in the fight before Klitschko responded with a flurry of blows that eventually dropped the Australian to the canvas. [10]

Career after world title shot

In his next fight, Leapai fought Malik Scott. Leapai lost the fight via unanimous decision, losing 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 on the scorecards. [11]

On two weeks notice, Alex Leapai took a fight against former WBO champion Joseph Parker (boxer) after his deal with Eric Molina fell through during the signing stages. [12] Leapai went on to lose after a tenth-round stoppage. Despite protests from Leapai, the referee Ricky Gonzalez stopped the fight after Parker landed seven straight punches to the head of his opponent. [13]

Personal life

Leapai is married to his high school sweetheart, Theresa, and has six children. Four daughters (Cyanne, Maria, Menime and Ivona) and two sons (Alex and EJ). [2]

In 2005, Leapai spent six months in Queensland's Woodford Correctional Centre on a grievous bodily harm charge after attacking two bouncers. [2]

An avid rugby league fan, Leapai supports the Brisbane Broncos. [14] Leapai's inspiration is fellow Samoan heavyweight boxer David Tua. [15]

Professional boxing record

43 fights31 wins8 losses
By knockout254
By decision64
Draws4
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
44Loss31–8–4 Flag of New Zealand.svg Joseph Parker TKO10 (12), 2:1829 Jun 2019 Flag of the United States.svg Dunkin' Donuts Center, Providence, Rhode Island, US
42Draw31–7–4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Roger IzonriteiTD3 (8), 2:2613 Dec 2017 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
41Win31–7–3 Flag of New Zealand.svg Thomas PeatoTKO3 (8), 2:2614 Oct 2017 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
40Loss30–7–3 Flag of Syria.svg Manuel Charr UD1022 May 2015 Flag of Russia.svg Olympic Indoor Arena, Moscow, Russia
39Loss30–6–3 Flag of the United States.svg Malik Scott UD1031 Oct 2014 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Logan Metro Sports Centre, Logan City, Australia
38Loss30–5–3 Flag of Ukraine.svg Wladimir Klitschko TKO5 (12), 2:0526 Apr 2014 Flag of Germany.svg König Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, GermanyFor WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles
37Win30–4–3 Flag of Russia.svg Denis Boytsov UD1023 Nov 2013 Flag of Germany.svg Stechert Arena, Bamberg, GermanyRetained WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight title
36Win29–4–3 Flag of Mexico.svg Felipe RomeroTKO9 (12), 1:159 Aug 2013 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Hengyang, ChinaRetained WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight title
35Win28–4–3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Joe LloydKO1 (8), 1:189 May 2013 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane, Australia
34Win27–4–3 Flag of the United States.svg Matt HicksTKO1 (8), 2:428 Feb 2013 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
33Win26–4–3 Flag of Uzbekistan.svg Akmal AslanovTKO5 (12), 1:2721 Dec 2012 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Zhuzhou Stadium, Zhuzhou, ChinaWon vacant WBO Asia Pacific and WBO Oriental heavyweight titles
32Loss25–4–3 Flag of the United States.svg Kevin Johnson TKO9 (12), 2:221 Apr 2012 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Doomben Racecourse, Brisbane, AustraliaLost IBF Australasian heavyweight title
31Win25-3-3 Flag of the United States.svg Troy WeidaTKO1 (10), 1:568 Dec 2011 Flag of Australia (converted).svg The Arena, Brisbane, Australia
30Win24–3–3 Flag of Russia.svg Evgeny OrlovKO4 (8), 1:3721 Oct 2011 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Broncos Leagues Club, Brisbane, Australia
29Win23–3–3 Flag of Uganda.svg Okello Peter KO3 (12)17 Apr 2011 Flag of Indonesia.svg Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta, IndonesiaWon vacant IBF Australasian heavyweight title
28Win22–3–3 Flag of the United States.svg Jason BarnettKO1 (8), 2:4729 Jan 2011 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gold Coast Convention Centre, Gold Coast, Australia
27Win21–3–3 Flag of the United States.svg Darnell Wilson UD84 Dec 2010 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gold Coast Convention Centre, Gold Coast, Australia
26Win20–3–3 Flag of Jamaica.svg Owen Beck TKO6 (10), 2:5012 Aug 2010 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Southport RSL Club, Gold Coast, Australia
25Win19–3–3 Flag of the United States.svg Travis Walker TKO4 (10), 2:5230 Jun 2010 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
24Win18–3–3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Bob Mirovic KO1 (10), 2:5729 Apr 2010 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gold Coast Convention Centre, Gold Coast, Australia
23Win17–3–3 Flag of New Zealand.svg Hiriwa Te RangiTKO1 (6), 1:114 Sep 2009 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, Tweed Heads, Australia
22Draw16–3–3 Flag of Japan.svg Kotatsu TakeharaMD631 Jul 2009 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Hilton Hotel, Brisbane, Australia
21Win16–3–2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Colin WilsonKO8 (12), 2:1119 Jun 2009 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Southport RSL Club, Gold Coast, AustraliaWon vacant WBO Oriental interim heavyweight title
20Win15–3–2 Flag of Finland.svg Oscar TalemairaKO1 (4), 0:5627 May 2009 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
19Win14–3–2 Flag of Fiji.svg Oscar TalemairaKO2 (6), 2:4920 Feb 2009 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Southport RSL Club, Gold Coast, Australia
18Win13–3–2 Flag of South Africa.svg Pieter CronjeUD1014 Nov 2008 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gold Coast Convention Centre, Gold Coast, AustraliaWon vacant WBF Australasian heavyweight title
17Win12–3–2 Flag of Tonga.svg Alipate LiavaKO5 (6)27 Sep 2008 Flag of New Zealand.svg Town Hall, Christchurch, New Zealand
16Win11–3–2 Flag of Ghana.svg Moyoyo MensahUD85 Sep 2008 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Mansfield Tavern, Brisbane, Australia
15Win10–3–2 Flag of Algeria.svg Mohamed Azzaoui KO2 (8), 1:111 Aug 2008 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
14Loss9–3–2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Colin WilsonSD1227 Jun 2008 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Mansfield Tavern, Brisbane, AustraliaLost OPBF heavyweight title
13Win9–2–2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael KirbyUD1214 Mar 2008 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kedron Wavell Services Club, Brisbane, AustraliaRetained OPBF heavyweight title
12Win8–2–2 Flag of New Zealand.svg Nathan BriggsKO8 (12), 2:0930 Nov 2007 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kedron Wavell Services Club, Brisbane, AustraliaWon vacant OPBF heavyweight title
11Win7–2–2 Flag of Tonga.svg Ofa Pi Bouvalu UluakiahoeiaRTD2 (4), 3:007 Sep 2007 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Broncos Leagues Club, Brisbane, Australia
10Win6–2–2 Flag of New Zealand.svg Jason RetiTKO2 (6), 2:1329 Jun 2007 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
9Win5–2–2 Flag of Fiji.svg Oscar TalemairaKO5 (6), 1:4623 Feb 2007 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Southport RSL Club, Gold Coast, Australia
8Win4–2–2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg John SzigetiTKO1 (6), 1:4617 Nov 2006 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Magic Millions Complex, Gold Coast, Australia
7Win3–2–2 Flag of New Zealand.svg Hiriwa Te RangiTKO4 (4), 2:4610 Nov 2006 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Logan Diggers Club, Logan City, Australia
6Loss2–2–2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Baden OuiTKO4 (4), 0:5119 Aug 2005 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
5Win2–1–2 Flag of New Zealand.svg Vai ToevaiUD45 Aug 2005 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Mansfield Tavern, Brisbane, Australia
4Draw1–1–2 Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg Nermin SabanovicPTS620 May 2005 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Broncos Leagues Club, Brisbane, Australia
3Loss1–1–1 Flag of Uzbekistan.svg Yan KulkovUD83 Dec 2004 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Mansfield Tavern, Brisbane, Australia
2Win1–0–1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Danny MorganTKO8 (8), 2:4217 Sep 2004 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Mansfield Tavern, Brisbane, Australia
1Draw0–0–1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Mark de Mori MD630 Jul 2004 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Broncos Leagues Club, Brisbane, Australia

Minor titles won

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References

  1. 1 2 Burgin, Robert (24 April 2014). "Brothers in Arms". Rugby League Week, p. 36.
  2. 1 2 3 "The story of world heavyweight championship contender Alex Leapai - Boxing News". 8 February 2014. Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  3. ↑ "Leapai installed as Klitschko Mandatory". ESPN. 5 December 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  4. ↑ Dan Rafael (2014). ESPN, 3 February 2014.
  5. 1 2 "Other News | Wladimir Klitschko v Alex Leapai: Title Fight Preview". www.sportal.com.au. Archived from the original on 27 April 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  6. ↑ "The Russian Invasion of Ukraine | Foreign Policy Research Institute". www.fpri.org. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  7. ↑ "Wladimir Klitschko in Turmoil and Says Alex Leapai Fight Most Important of his Career". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  8. 1 2 "Alex Leapai held back as Shannon Briggs gatecrashes world heavyweight boxing title media conference". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 23 April 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  9. 1 2 "Wladimir Klitschko beats Alex Leapai to keep titles". BBC Sport . BBC. 26 April 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  10. 1 2 "Home | Live Scores & Latest News". Fox Sports . Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  11. ↑ "Leapai vs Scott - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  12. ↑ "Joseph Parker may fight Alex Leapai, not Eric Molina in next bout". Newshub. 6 December 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  13. ↑ "Joseph Parker makes Matchroom debut with tenth round TKO win over Alex Leapai". The Ring. 30 June 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  14. ↑ "Home | Live Scores & Latest News". Fox Sports . Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  15. ↑ Kiwi connection to take on Wladimir Klitschko, Fairfax NZ News, dated 4 February 2014.
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