Former Gold Coast Titans player dreams of world boxing championship fight at Suncorp 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.

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“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.”