This was published 12 years ago
Leapai's effort ends in brave defeat
Alex Leapai's brave heavyweight challenge is over after the Australia was knocked out by Wladimar Klitschko in the fifth round of their title fight in Germany.
The 34-year-old was vying to become Australia's first universally recognised world heavyweight champion, but struggled to deal with Klitschko's power in the lopsided bout.
The one powerful shot that Lepai landed only seemed to spur Klitschko on to his 20th consecutive win.
Leapai vowed that the defeat was not the end of his career.
Leapai was knocked down just 60 seconds into the bout.
He struggled to avoid Klitshko's jab throughout the night.
Klitschko has perfected his style against shorter opponents.
"I tried to get inside but Wladimir kept sticking the jab out," Leapai said.
It was a big right hand that ended the fight.
Klitschko got the Ukrainian flag out straight after the win.
The Australian made $1.6 million from the fight.
Wladimar's hollywood actress fiancé Hayden Panettiere was ringside.
