IS ALEX SET TO QUIT NRL FOR BOXING?
Alex Leapai Jr’s trainer
Titans teenage monster Alex Leapai Jr is weighing up quitting the Gold Coast and a lucrative NRL contract in his quest to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
The Bulletin can reveal the 120kg young gun _ the son of former world-title challenger Alex Leapai Sr _ is considering walking away from his Titans contract to finish what his father started in boxing.
Such is his frightening strength and power, Leapai Jr was squatting 165kg in the gym as a 13-year-old as he began his journey in rugby league.
In April, the Titans pulled off a schoolboy coup by snaring Leapai Jnr on a three-year deal, winning his signature ahead of six NRL rivals, including Sydney glamour club the Roosters.
The powerhouse prop is one of the best young forwards in the country and has steamrolled opponents playing for his school team Mabel Park High.
But just nine months after committing to the Titans, Leapai Jr is having second thoughts about pursuing a career in the NRL as he looks to one day emulate British legend Tyson Fury by winning the heavyweight world title.
Leapai Jr will take his first serious steps in the fight game on Tuesday, when he announces his professional debut against Joe Ageli (2-1) on a card in Adelaide on April 3 that will be headlined by former AFL stars.
The Titans will be desperate to retain Leapai Jr’s services but his boxing trainer Noel Thornberry says the hulking prop is Australian boxing’s most exciting heavyweight talent in 50 years.
“Looking at this kid, I believe he can be heavyweight champion of the world,” said Thornberry, who guided Leapai Sr in his world-title loss to Wladimir Klitschko in Germany in 2014.
“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.
“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.”
The former Sydney Roosters scholarship holder is passionate about rugby league, but juggling NRL and professional boxing commitments is next to impossible.
The Titans rising star was eligible to become a pro boxer on November 26, when he celebrated his 18th birthday.
While the top players in the NRL can earn upwards of $1m a season, the best heavyweights in the world can easily pocket in excess of $20m.
“I haven’t had any dialogue with the Titans but if Alex wanted to choose boxing fulltime, I will support him fully,” Thornberry said.
“We’ve sat down and looked at the stats for an NRL player.
“The average NRL player’s career is only 52 matches, which is basically two or three seasons.
“We’ve already had good offers in boxing that equal what he can earn as a rookie in the NRL.
“I have a vision of Alex three weeks before his 14th birthday … he was squatting 165kg 15 times. His dad ran over and said stop doing that you will hurt yourself.
“Alex said why it’s not even that heavy.
“I couldn’t believe it.”