Leapai’s plans to ‘shatter’ Klitschko

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A SHATTERING punch developed on a cricket pitch in working class Woodridge is the key to Alex Leapai winning the world heavyweight title tomorrow morning in Germany and assuring himself of a multi-million dollar future.

``The Samoan Bowler'' is Leapai's most devastating weapon — a huge looping overhand right — and he perfected it as a fast bowler playing the Samoan variation of cricket with his four brothers.

Last night as The Courier-Mail was given exclusive access to Leapai's final training session he rehearsed again and again the pressure tactics he hopes will break down the defence of world champ Wladimir Klitschko and leave the Ukrainian giant open for Leapai's massive right in their Oberhausen title fight — the most important bout ever featuring an Australian boxer.

``The Samoan Bowler is not like any other punch,'' Leapai said. ``The action comes from bowling in cricket matches under the Samoan rules. We use a bigger bat, bigger wickets and a hard rubber ball.

Alex Leapai throws the devastating overhand right that he believes could break Wladimir Klitschko's jaw. Picture: Annette Dew Source: News Corp Australia

``I found that the same action I used for bowling made my overhand right my hardest punch and the first chance I get I'll use it on Klitschko. If it lands flush it will break his jaw.''

For the last 16 weeks of training the 183cm Leapai has focused entirely on ways to overcome the 198cm Klitschko's massive advantages in height, reach and experience.

Klitschko has not lost in 10 years but last night as Leapai and trainer Noel Thornberry outlined their battle plan exclusively to The Courier-Mail both said the world champion was in decline.

``I've been studying Klitschko's last fight against (2004 Olympic champion) Alexander Povetkin and he just wrestled all night,'' Leapai said. ``He's not the fighter he was 10 years ago and he knows it.

``Every time he tries to wrestle me I'm going to bang him to the body with both fists and bring his hands down. Pressure is the key to winning this world title.''

Alex Leapai believes he has the tactics to beat world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (left). Picture: AFP Source: AFP

These are the key points to Leapai's fight plan:

@ He expects Klitschko to charge from the corner from the opening bell and try to intimidate Leapai immediately with his size and reach. Leapai will take the fight straight back in return with a body attack and possibly even a rugby league shoulder charge.

@ Leapai has practised for weeks keeping his left glove pressed against his temple to deflect Klitschko's thumping right lead and open him up for The Samoan Bowler counter.

@He will wait for Klitschko to throw his hook off the left jab and then jab straight back inside the world champ's looping punch.

@He will constantly move forward, keeping low and bobbing side to side to keep Klitschko under pressure. Any time Klitschko goes to the ropes Leapai will fire his right uppercut and when he gets the chance The Samoan Bowler.

@Leapai has developed several strategies to injure Klitschko if the bigger man tries to use his height and leverage to wrestle in close. He has been practising to twist Klitschko's arm at close quarters to wreck his elbow in the clinches.

@At short range Leapai will drive in uppercuts rather than round arm hooks because he feels that is the best way to smash the cartilage in Klitschko's ribs. He has improvised ways to tear the muscles in the world champion's back by overbalancing him if Klitschko starts leaning on him as he has done in other fights to wear down and exhaust opponents.

@Leapai is preparing to go 12 hard rounds with the champion and says the key to victory will be his brutal body attack.

Alex Leapai is confident he has the tools to become Australia's first heavweight boxing champion. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

All throughout his training Leapai has backed his punching power to finally turn back the tide of Klitschko's unbeaten 10-year run. He says his right shoulder is feeling fine despite reports of injury and he threw several big punches with it last night to demonstrate its power.

Leapai has even come up with mental games to play on Klitschko and plans to sledge him once he senses that the big man is getting tired.

The first Australian to tight for the world heavyweight championship in 106 years knows that he is a massive underdog going into the fight but he also knows that Klitschko is like every other boxer; entirely mortal with weaknesses and insecurities that can be exploited.

For much of his life Leapai has waged an internal war as the better angels of his nature fought against his inner demons. The angels eventually won as he became a devout Christian and world-beating sportsman.

Tomorrow morning in Germany he is backing his almighty power for boxing's ultimate victory and is convinced it will be heaven sent.

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