Jeff Fenech's huge call on ex-NRL rookie after 'devastating' KO victory
Alex Leapai Jr won in such emphatic fashion on Wednesday night that Jeff Fenech declared the former NRL rookie would "be a heavyweight champion one day".
Leapai Jr, the 19-year-old son of Australian-Samoan boxing great Alex Leapai Sr, defeated Herve Silu Mata via a first-round knockout at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena.
Contesting the first fight of the Sonny Bill Williams-Paul Gallen card, Leapai Jr unleashed a barrage of punches in the first round and knocked his rival down only midway through.
Sonny Bill Williams vs Paul Gallen at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on July 16 is available to order live and Exclusive on Stan Pay-Per-View for $70
On the left, Alex Leapai Jr connects with Herve Silu Mata's chin, and on the right, Leapai Jr celebrates his knockout victory. Stan
With 73 seconds left in the three-minute round, the referee called the fight off.
Leapai Jr took his professional record to 5-0-1 in the Sydney Olympic Park bout.
Fenech witnessed the punishment ringside as a Stan Sport commentator.
"Justis Huni's got this amazing skill," the Australian boxing legend said.
"This kid's got the skill, but he's got the power with it.
"This kid's going to be a heavyweight champion one day."
Stan Sport commentator Michael Atkinson said in reply: "That's a big statement."
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Leapai Sr was in his son's corner on Wednesday night, wearing a t-shirt that read "Alexanda the Great Leapai", the nickname his giant boy goes by.
Leapai Sr, who lost a world title bout against Ukraine's Wladimir Klitschko in 2014, had the nickname "Lionheart".
Alex Leapai Jr is a big boy. Stan
Fenech gave a nod to Leapai Jr's dad.
"That's why he might be the best ever, because his dad hasn't push him," Fenech said.
"Some of those dads get really pushy. [His] dad has just let him do what he wants to do, and he does it really, really well."
Australian boxing great Danny Green said of Leapai Jr: "Devastating power."
An enormous frame is behind that power — Leapai Jr stands at 193 centimetres and weighs in at more than 120 kilograms.
He walked away from an NRL contract with the Gold Coast Titans in January 2024, choosing to chase his boxing dream.
