Wladimir Klitschko vs. Alex Leapai: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream, TV Info, More
On Saturday, Alex "" (30-4-3, 24 KO) will get his opportunity to solve the (61-3, 51 KO) riddle at theย Koenig Arena in Germany.
will be putting his , , and heavyweight titles on the line.
This will be the 38-year-old Ukrainian's 16th title defense. He hasn't lost a fight in 10 years.
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is an unlikely challenger, but he earned this matchup when he upset previously unbeaten heavyweight Denis in Nov. 2013.
No one is giving the short and stocky Samoan from Australia much of a chance. But crazy things happen in boxing all the time.
Will Germany be the next site for the unthinkable? If it is, fight fans in the United States will have an opportunity to watch it live.
ESPN bought the rights to broadcast the fight, and it will also be available via live stream on Watch ESPN.
Here's the breakdown.
When: Saturday, April 26 at 5 p.m. ET
Where:ย Koenig Arena in Germany
TV: ESPN and ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
The Book on
A champion is only as great as the opponents he's conquered.
Because has reigned for a decade over a listless group of big men in the sport, he doesn't get the credit someone with his accomplishments normally would.
Critics can say what they want about him, but has fought everyone there is to fight during his career.
It's not his fault the division is devoid of the names, personalities and talents from more popular eras for the weight class.
Because he's the heavyweight champion of the world, everyone wants a piece of him and the money that comes with facing him.
Most recently, former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs has come calling. Yes, that Shannon Briggs.
I'm not sure what's worse: the fact that Briggs up to disrupt and verbally assault twice (viaย New York Daily News), or that his efforts might actually earn him a shot.
To top it all off, a bout might be just as competitive as last 15 defenses.
Such is the state of the heavyweight division. ย
The Book on
The 34-year-old Australian is giving up six inches in height and reach to . He's also had 27 less professional fights.
Aside from his win over , hasn't faced anyone most fight fans have ever heard of.
I'd say that makes him a pretty big long shot to win the heavyweight championship. Even against those odds, is steadfast in his belief that he can shock the world.
He told Brent Read of The Australianย (subscription required):
"Whatever motivation heโs got ... heโs going to have to rip my heart out to beat me.ย This guy is no different to me. Heโs just another human being โ two arms, two legs and a heartbeat. On the night it comes down to who wants it more.
I am telling you, I am going to beat this guy. I have always been the underdog.
"
ESPN UK's Steve Bunce isn't sure about chances to win, but he knows will give it his all.
Bunce writes:
"In recent years a dozen men have surrendered at the end of fists without trying to win, which sounds harsh but is the truth: will not be part of that inglorious batch of failures. He will go down swinging and preying that one of his Samoan Bowlers lands on chops.
"
Will such a primitive plan have any chance of success against a man who has become an expert at protecting his suspect chin?
Prediction
has an intriguing appearance. He looks like a tough guy who can crack. His 24 KOs suggest there's some truth to it. But that combination isn't going to get it done against .
didn't look good in his loss to Kevin Johnson in 2012. He was stopped in the ninth round, as it appeared the American's length gave him issues.
What will he do on Saturday?
is an expert at using his size to keep smaller heavyweights away from his chin and body.
Referees have routinely allowed him to ย and to measure (both technically against the rules). This has made him even tougher to handle.
Couple that with solid hand speed and punishing power, and you have one of the most untouchable champions in the sport.
will win again. lion heart won't keep him from being stopped on Saturday.
Follow me. I'm addicted to the sweet science.
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