British Eurosport has secured the rights to screen Wladimir Klitschko’s latest world heavyweight title defence against Australian fighter Alex Leapai in April.
Leapai will fight the 38 year old Ukrainian for the unified world heavyweight title, comprising of the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts, on Saturday, April 26, in Oberhausen, Germany.
Alex ‘The Lionheart’ Leapai is based in Queensland and was once on the books of NRL team North Queensland Cowboys before turning to boxing, boasting 24 knockouts from his 30 professional fights.
The Australian beat Russian Denis Boystov in a shock result in November to become the top contender among the ranks in the WBO.
Klitschko is undefeated for over a decade since his loss to Lamon Brewster, with an 80% knockout rate from his 64 professional fights.
In his last fight in October 2013, Klitschko faced his third consecutive unbeaten opponent in the form of Russian Alexander Povetkin, winning by unanimous decision after scoring a knockdown in the second round and three knockdowns in round seven, including one prompted from a big right uppercut.
Most ringside experts feel the veteran Ukrainian, holder of the Ring Magazine, WBA, IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight titles, will present too much for the 34-year-old Samoan.
Leapai is a huge underdog for the fight, but he believes in his powerful punching ability and feels he has the tools to cause a major upset.
British Eurosport will screen full live coverage of Klitschko’s latest world title defence to UK viewers and across its outlets in Asia and Europe, except in Germany where the fight will be shown by RTL.
Previous world title fights involving Klitschko in recent years have been broadcast live on Sky Sports, BoxNation and ESPN.
Eurosport has a modest portfolio of live boxing rights, mainly consisting of smaller shows in the UK and on the continent.
David Kerr, Managing Director of British Eurosport said, “It’s fantastic to be broadcasting this high profile world heavyweight title clash in the classic Saturday night slot.
“Leapai shocked everyone in the boxing world to earn this tilt at the title and Klitschko has described him as a real life Rocky.
“They are two exciting fighters with a high number of knockouts between them and that should produce real fireworks.”
Charlie Webster will host the British Eurosport’s live studio coverage from 9.30pm on British Eurosport 2, previewing the fight with special guests Tyson Fury and Steve Collins.
As well as showing exclusive footage from the Klitschko training camp in the build-up, undercard fights from the bill will be shown after live coverage of the main event.
David Kerr added: “It’s fantastic to be broadcasting this high profile World Heavyweight title clash in the classic Saturday night slot.
“Leapai shocked everyone in the boxing world to earn this tilt at the title and Klitschko has described him as a real life Rocky.
“They are two exciting fighters with a high number of knockouts between them and that should produce real fireworks.”
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Saturday 26th April
World Championship Boxing: Klitschko v Leapai
LIVE: 9.30pm-12.00am British Eurosport 2
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