He dreamt of joining his uncle in a Maroons jumper. Now he wants to emulate Jeff Horn

3 months ago 18

In a parallel universe, Alex Leapai Junior would have been preparing to force his way into the Gold Coast Titans set-up to pave his path towards a State of Origin career to rival that of his uncle, Josh Papali’i.

But the once-promising prop traded it all in to pursue a boxing dream and finish the job started by his father, Alex Leapai Senior. And he intends to do it in the same manner that Jeff Horn did in Brisbane eight years ago.

On December 13, Leapai Junior will step into the ring for the eighth time since his shock shift from the Titans in early 2024. The fight for the Queensland heavyweight title in Gatton will be broadcast on Stan Sport.

Josh Papali’i’s nephew, Alex Leapai Junior, hopes to fight for a world title at Suncorp Stadium within the next four years.

But even with the Titans in the midst of a rebuild following the appointment of coach Josh Hannay, and the release of former State of Origin enforcer Reagan Campbell-Gillard, the 127 kilogram wrecking ball insists he has no regrets, while dangling the carrot of a future comeback.

“I love what I do right now, I don’t have any regrets switching to boxing,” Leapai Junior said.

“But I’ve seen the top 30 spots at the Gold Coast Titans, and they’re not filled yet, and even the Perth Bears are starting to sign boys.”

While he once envisaged following Papali’i – who returned from representative retirement for this year’s game three triumph – onto Suncorp Stadium in a Maroons jumper, he is now determined to bring a championship fight to the same hallowed arena, just as Horn did when he shocked Manny Pacquiao.

“It was so inspiring to see my uncle give his heart for his state. That was one massive thing I wanted to do, but life changes,” Leapai Junior said, standing in front of the same sparring ring designed for Pacquiao at the PCYC next to the stadium.

“Ever since he retired from rep footy, Queensland wasn’t the same for me, I honestly felt something was missing – and that was my uncle. Fighting here for a world title … it’s one of those things where I have to keep my head down and keep working.

“I still remember Jeff Horn, he’s such a tough dude, and the crowd and atmosphere Suncorp brought. I’m guessing it would probably feel the same if you were playing in a Maroons jersey. But I feel like if I was fighting for a world title, I wouldn’t be fighting by myself but with all the Queenslanders with me.”

Leapai Junior’s decision was fuelled by a pull to follow in his father’s footsteps, after Leapai Senior challenged for the linear heavyweight championship of the world mantle – the only Australian to do so. He ultimately suffered a fifth-round loss to Wladimir Klitschko.

In the initial days of his combat career, the 19-year-old appeared to be all power but little finesse – relying on his ferocious hook to derail his opponents en route to six wins and one split decision draw.

However, there is now a spring in the giant’s step. His jab and mobility have improved greatly under esteemed coach Noel Thornberry, who is adamant his prodigy will become the nation’s first heavyweight champion.

“The bigger dogs in the Australian boxing world can get it in the next 12 months. But in the meantime, we’ll try and fit in six fights or so and then take it in leaps and bounds from there,” Thornberry said.

“Alex is coming along much quicker than we thought … I think within two years, Alex will be a fringe [world] contender. Our dream is to have Alex Leapai fighting in the middle of Suncorp Stadium for the heavyweight championship of the world.

“Mark my words, this will happen in the next three or four years. There’s no rush, he’s a 19-year-old, but there is a fascination with teenagers who can beat the shit out of grown men.”