Irrespective of whether he upsets Wladimir Klitschko and wins four heavyweight boxing world titles, Alex Leapai has taken his family, friends and followers on the ride of a lifetime.

Among those enjoying the experience in Germany, where Leapai is due to challenge Klitschko on Saturday, is his backer - land developer Phil Murphy - the second-largest shareholder in the Brisbane NRL club.

Murphy's own boxing aspirations never progressed beyond a couple of fights at Mount Isa Police Citizens Youth Club as a youngster.

He first met Leapai at a State of Origin fight night several years ago and quickly struck up a firm friendship with the boxer.

Murphy's support has enabled Leapai to train full time and fully pursue his dream of becoming world heavyweight champion.

He has been captivated by the character of Leapai, who has turned his life around in recent years after spending six months in jail on an assault charge.

"I'm in it it for Alex - that's the only reason," Murphy said.

"It's a tough, hard, probably mongrel of a game in a lot of respects.

"There's a lot of bad eggs but there's a lot of good eggs like Alex. He's a true blessing to boxing.

"But for boxing, he may be in jail still - you don't know.

"I'll support him while ever he's got this inspiration - that's for sure.

"It's real. There's no crap in him; there's no garbage in him. He's focused; his mindset is determined; he's disciplined.

"I just enjoy being with Alex. I just love him to bits.

"To be on this journey with him is one of the best blessings in my whole life."

The journey has lifted Murphy's spirits after a couple of bouts of pneumonia over the past year.

"I've been pretty crook on and off and this is a great medicine for me - beautiful," Murphy said.

"If you tried to dream of something in your life that you'd love to do, you couldn't dream this."