Alex Leapai written off by foreign press as ‘David’s tiny cousin’ against Wladimir Klitschko’s Goliath

AUSTRALIA has gotten behind Alex Leapai’s Rocky-like fairytale in the lead up to Sunday’s historic title fight, but the world’s press don’t give him a hope in hell.

AUSTRALIA has been getting behind Alex Leapai’s Rocky-like fairytale in the lead up to Sunday’s historic title fight, but the world’s press don’t give him a hope in hell.

Leapai, a 34-year-old delivery truck driver from Logan, will tomorrow morning attempt to prise away Wladimir Klitschko’s IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight belts.

No Australian has ever been crowned the heavyweight champion of the world.

And we may have to wait a little longer yet, according to the foreign press.

“Imagine if David had a tiny cousin, then that is Leapai against Wlad’s Goliath,” wrote ESPN’s Steve Bunce.

“Leapai should be back in Logan City, Queensland, playing with his six kids and getting ready for church and taking a break from his job as a delivery driver.

“That is what he should be doing, but will be instead walking to the ring in Oberhausen, Germany, to fight for Wlad’s IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight belts and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.”

Alex Leapai has been written off by the world’s press.

Bunce said Leapai had no chance of shocking Klitschko – who has not been beaten in 10 years – but would at least go down swinging.

“Leapai has to try to force the fight and that will be his downfall,” said Bunce.

“It will also be a far better tactic than standing on the outside of his range, just inside Wladimir’s range, and having his face remodelled by the Ukrainian’s thunderous punches.

“In recent years a dozen men have surrendered at the end of Wladimir’s fists without trying to win, which sounds harsh but is the truth: Leapai will not be part of that inglorious batch of failures.

“He will go down swinging and preying that one of his Samoan Bowlers lands on Wladimir’s chops.”

Glenn McRory, of Sky Sports, said Klitschko’s glory days were winding down but certainly would not be ended by an unknown Aussie.

“Wladimir Klitschko has this week spoken about his plans to dominate heavyweight boxing for the next 10 years. Well, he should beware of a new, young, hungry bunch of fighters coming up,” McRory wrote.

Height difference is a major issue for Leapai.

“The younger of the Klitschko brothers, if he goes unbeaten for four more years, will break Joe Louis’ record as the longest-reigning heavyweight world champion. But that’s not going to happen.

“Yes, he’s very, very good but, with Vitali out of the picture - who, for so long, paired up with his brother to intimidate and out-psyche their opponents - the Klitschko aura is not what it was. One Klitschko doesn’t look as tough as two.

“Change is coming and the Klitschkos’ stranglehold on heavyweight boxing will come to an end.

“It’s not going to happen this weekend though.

“ … between the brothers they’ve pretty much cleaned up the division, without having ever really done anything to bring excitement to the game - and the fight with Leapai is another example of that.”

World champion Wladimir Klitschko has not been beaten in 10 years.

Boxing Insider William Holmes also offered: “On paper this fight is a huge mismatch. In the ring it will likely be an even bigger mismatch. Klitschko’s chin was considered questionable by many early on in his career, but a 10-year undefeated streak as champion has erased most of those doubts.”

Closer to home, News Corp Australia scribe Grantlee Kieza is confident Leapai can create history.

“Leapai has an excellent chance,” Kieza said from Oberhausen.

“He will have to fight the best he has ever fought and hope that Wladimir is off his game.

“Leapai is a tremendous puncher and a great finisher and while Klitschko is a daunting task with a phenomenal record (61-3) he has shown himself to be vulnerable against pressure fighters who can hit.”

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Australia’s former three-weight world champion Jeff Fenech also believes an upset could be on the cards.

“If Alex hits him, the guy is not going to know what’s happening. If he hits him a couple more times, it could be over. That’s what he has to do,” Fenech said.

“He has to realise it’s once in a lifetime. Either the other guy gets carried out or he gets carried out. If he does that, he will win the fight.”

Leapai is said to be is in the best physical and mental shape of his life, but still the bookies rate him a really long shot - Klitschko is paying just $1.16 for the win, while Leapai is $5.

Join our live coverage of Klitschko v Leapai from 7am EST Sunday.