Kevin Johnson, a heavyweight boxer with a 20-year career, has named Alex Leapai as the hardest hitter he's faced in the ring. Johnson's experience includes bouts with top fighters like Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Vitali Klitschko.
Johnson, known as "Kingpin," has fought many of boxing's biggest names. He went the distance with Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and Tyson Fury in 2012, both resulting in unanimous decision losses. He was stopped in the second round by Joshua in the Brit's thirteenth fight, one year before Joshua would win his first world title. Johnson has also faced Daniel Dubois, Martin Bakole, and Andy Ruiz Jr, losing to all three.
Despite this impressive list of opponents, Johnson singled out Alex "The Lionheart" Leapai as the physically strongest boxer he's encountered. In an interview with Sport Express, Johnson stated:
"Alex Leapai from Australia."
When pressed about other big names like Fury, Joshua, and Klitschko, Johnson doubled down:
"No, Alex Leapai is the physically strongest boxer I have ever met in my life. Not only in a fight – I then went back to Australia, lived there for a while, and we sparred together every day. He is powerful."
Johnson's experience with Leapai goes beyond their 2012 fight, which Johnson won. He spent time living in Australia and sparring regularly with Leapai, giving him a unique perspective on the Australian's power.
Leapai's career, while not as high-profile as some of Johnson's other opponents, has been noteworthy. He's fought 44 times professionally, winning 32 with 25 knockouts. Before losing to Johnson in 2012, Leapai had put together an impressive 17-fight unbeaten streak.
In 2014, Leapai got his shot at a world title against Wladimir Klitschko but lost via a 5th round stoppage in what turned out to be a one-sided affair. His last fight came in 2019, a 10th round TKO loss to former world titlist Joseph Parker on short notice.
Johnson, who now goes by Kevin Vladimirovich, has moved to Russia. His endorsement of Leapai's power, despite facing more renowned heavyweights, sheds light on the sometimes hidden strengths of fighters who may not have reached the pinnacle of the sport.
