Hulking Titans prodigy Alex Leapai Jr has confirmed he is walking away from his NRL contract to focus on boxing.
That is according to The Courier Mail who are reporting the 120kg, 6’4 front rower will now set his sights on becoming a heavyweight champion, leaving the Gold Coast club.
Leapai Jr was being chased by seven NRL clubs before signing a three-year deal with the Titans in a move that was considered a huge coup for the club.
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His ridiculous strength and athleticism was a hallmark of his game and the gun forward reportedly squatted 165kg in the gym at only 13-years old.
Leapai Jr’s father fought Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 as the world title challenger and now he will attempt to follow in his Dad’s footsteps.
He will have the first fight of his professional career in April, facing Joe Ageli in April in a card that boasts every former AFL players.
“I want to pursue the path of boxing,” Leapai Jr said to News Corp.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I am stepping away from the NRL dream and I’m on a mission now to chase a heavyweight world title.
Leapai Jr’s trainer Noel Thornberry explained he has lofty ambitions for the teenager the Titans were reportedly desperate to retain.
“Looking at this kid, I believe he can be heavyweight champion of the world,” Thornberry said.
“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.
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“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.”
He also said that Leapai Jr is one of the “most exciting stories in Australian boxing” and is a once in a lifetime talent.
The young talent has reportedly already received boxing offers that equal what a rookie earns on his first NRL contract.
Thornberry also could reportedly call in the mentoring services of Tyson Fury to assist Leapai Jr in succeeding in boxing, having previously fought his father.
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