By Matt Clark – Alex “The Lionheart” Leapai faces the hardest test of his career when he faces fellow Heavyweight fringe contender Travis “Freight Train” Walker over 10 rounds on Wednesday 30th of June, 2010. The fight takes place at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Australia, on the undercard of the Anthony Mundine vs Carlos Adan Jerez battle, Mundine’s debut at 154 lbs. It is however the potential slugfest between the two knockout artists that threatens to steal the show..
Leapai 18-3-3 (14 KO) of Logan, Queensland, Australia; comes into the fight on the back of a one round demolition of the usually durable Bob Mirovic in April. Walker 34-4 (28 KO) of Atlanta, Georgia, USA; was stopped in 6 rounds by world rated contender Johnathan Banks in Germany in March of this year. As their records attest, both fighters are heavy handed and there is the potential that this fight could be short but sweet. It is certainly a bout that is tailor-made for the casual boxing fan, as it is not expected to go the distance and the action should be fast and furious.
“I have seen Walker in about three different fights and I was pretty impressed with his tenacity,” Leapai stated. “He keeps coming and always makes a fight of it. You have to respect someone who punches that hard, but when the bell sounds one of us is going down”.
Walker admits to having “watched a few films” of Leapai and said he is looking forward to visiting Australia for the first time. “My training has been short but sweet”. Walker did not want to divulge the names of the boxers he had been sparring with.
Leapai, who is trained by Noel Thornberry, states his training camp has run smoothly. “We have had a good preparation and my weight is good,” he said. “Walker is the type of guy who comes to fight and so do I. You can expect a pretty violent fight and I will be gritting my teeth and I am confident of being the last man standing”.
It is thought that Leapai’s style of boxing will appeal to even marginal fans of the sport. He has the potential to end a fight with one punch; such is the power he possesses. There have been whispers within the Australian fight game that in an attempt to widen Leapai’s fan base, a number of international Heavyweights have been contacted to fight “The Lionheart,” with a view to bringing over credible opponents who make for exciting clashes.
Boxa Promotions in association with Jamie Myer Productions, Thornberry Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions have done this by bringing the 194cm tall Walker to these shores. If Leapai is to progress and continue to climb the Heavyweight rankings, he needs to overcome the man they call the “Freight Train”.