Later this month in Oberhausen, Germany, Wladimir Klitschko will be defending his title against Alex Leapai. Klitschko was in Austria to talk about his upcoming fight and opponent.
Many view the Samoan-Australian as the underdog, including Klitschko, and it’s understandable. While Klitschko is the reigning WBA (super), IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring world champion, Leapai doesn’t have many titles under his belt.
“With all the fights that he had in the past that I was looking at I could tell that he has not much experience with strategy and tactics and technique,” said Klitschko.
Even though Leapai isn’t a well-known champion, Klitschko won’t be going easy on him.
“I’ve been beating people up for a living since I was fourteen, professionally and I’m not going to under-estimate or take Alex Leapai easy,” Klitschko said,
Leapai doesn’t have as much experience fighting as Klitschko, but Leapai does have one record that Klitschko doesn’t, he’s the first Australian to make a heavyweight challenge in 106 years.
One person on Twitter thinks Leapai has a fighting chance against Klitschko.
alexleapai looking sharp as he steps up preparations for Wladimir Klitschko http://t.co/6GtSQsCcuN
— Brent Read (@brentread_7) April 10, 2014
Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis believes Leapai might be taking home the belt on April 26th. “There could be a surprise perhaps. He is a good challenger,” said Lewis.
Klitschko’s recent 38th birthday didn’t keep the boxer from training for his upcoming fight.
Thanks to everyone for all of the bday wishes. This is how I spent my bday. Continuing to get ready for #April26th! pic.twitter.com/f6qAw9LVzN
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) March 26, 2014
The Ukrainian champion said his parents were to thank for “giving him the mental resolve to prepare well for his matches.”
While Klitschko is preparing for the fight, his mind is still on the recent troubles in Ukraine. Klitschko is the brother of Ukrainian opposition leader Vitali Klitschko, and recently quoted the late Nelson Mandela saying sports have the power to “change the world.”
This fight against Leapai will be Klitschko’s first competitive fight since October.
Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko prepares for his bout against Alex Leapai of Australia on April 26, 2014 in Oberhausen, Germany.
— Capital Boxing (@CapitalBoxing) April 9, 2014
Image via Wladimir Klitschko, Twitter.
