Ex-NRL player Alex Leapai Jr impresses in latest bout

Alex Leapai Jr, a promising NRL front-rower before making the switch to boxing, has impressed with a dominant knockout.

Former Gold Coast Titan Alex Leapai Jr has impressed in his latest bout as he continued his march into professional boxing.

Once one of the most highly sought teenagers in rugby league, Leapai Jr turned his back on footy to chase a boxing career in January this year.

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The son of former boxer Alex Leapai Sr, who fought legendary Wladimir Klitschko for a heavyweight world title back in 2014, took part in his fourth career fight in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Fighting on the undercard of Paulo Aokuso’s clash with Clay Waterman at Panthers Leagues Club, the 18-year-old was far too strong for veteran Damien Johnson in their four-round bout.

Johnson, 33, who had won just one of his 10 previous fights, took the fight to the hulking Leapai and pushed the contest further than most expected.

Leapai was a class above. Photo: Stan Sport

Leapai was tipped for rugby league stardom when still at school. Picture: John Gass

But in the third round, as you can see in the video player above, Leapai landed three solid body shots before two heads shots sent Johnson to his knees.

The towel was thrown from Johnson’s corner right as the referee was waving off the contest as Leapai Jr improved to 4-0 in his young career.

“Tremendous courage shown there but Alex Leapai Jr improves to 4-0 with three knockouts,” commentator Bruce Eva said on Stan Sport.

“He lost no friends their Damien Johnson, but in the end, just the power of Alex Leapai Jr, who’s only 18, already a whopping 129 kilos.

“Johnson was here to fight, not just to survive, and he was bravery personified. In the end, just outgunned.”

Damien Johnson goes down for good. Photo: Stan Sport

Danny Green (centre) was impressed with Leapai Jr. (AAP Image/Scott Barbour) NO ARCHIVING

Former world champion and co-commentator Danny Green was impressed by Johnson’s performance and said it would be a huge help for Leapai in his fledgling career.

“Jeez he’s got some guts,” Green said of Johnson. “I thought it was going to be a one-round fight, it’s turned into a slugfest.

“I take my hat off to you Damien Johnson, you’re a hard man and you’re going to teach Alex Leapai Jr a hell of a lot from that fight.

“I don’t drink alcohol anymore, I haven’t drunk alcohol for a very long time.

“But if I did, I would buy that man a beer and have a beer with him.”

Leapai was being chased by a host of NRL clubs before opting to join the Titans on a three-year deal.

He signed with the Titans before making the switch to boxing. Picture: Gold Coast Titans

The referee makes it official. Photo: Stan Sport

Boxing remained his passion, however, stating he was “on a mission to chase a heavyweight title” after making the switch.

Leapai Jr and trainer Noel Thornberry have a long way to go, but he showed some promising signs on Wednesday night.

“What an exciting ride we’re in for in the next few years, the next decade let’s hope, because he is only 18,” Eva said.

“His dad fought for the heavyweight title in 2014 against the great Vladimir Klitschko. We shouldn’t be surprised.”

Green added: “I’ve just watched the progression and the growth and this kid is improving in each and every bout.

“It’s showing.”

Originally published as Ex-NRL player Alex Leapai Jr impresses in latest bout