Boxing trainer Grant Arkell says Alex Leapai will be no match for Joseph Parker when the two go head to head this weekend in Providence, Rhode Island.
“I think Joseph will be too fast and too clever for him” Arkell says
39-year-old Leapai is on the hunt for redemption after his knockout loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 where he became the first Australian to fight for a world heavyweight title in 106 years. Leapai has had only five bouts since and Arkell believes his inactivity will count against him.
“He hasn’t been as active as Joseph and Joseph has been fighting at a higher level. I’m expecting Joseph to finish it quick.”
But in light of Andy Ruiz Jr’s shock victory over Anthony Joshua this month to become the unified heavyweight champion, Parker isn’t taking anything for granted against Leapai who’s adamant that he’s in good shape despite coming in as a late replacement for American Eric Molina.
“Alex is very dangerous in the beginning of the fight, so for three to five rounds he will be very dangerous with big overhand rights and left hooks.” Parker told the Boxhard Podcast
Parker’s world ranking has plummeted following losses to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte last year but Arkell says this bout will be a good stepping stone for Parker as he endeavours to fight his way back into boxing’s crème de la crème.
“I’m hoping Joseph can get back up to the top, he’s got a few more obstacles now…not only Anthony Joshua but Fury and Wilder to worry about and there’s a lot of boys coming through.” Arkell says
“But he’s still got the goods to do it, he just needs the right breaks…a bit of luck and I’m sure he can get back up there again.”
Arkell was Parker’s amateur boxing trainer for over a decade before he turned pro in 2012.
