By Laine Clark

For his career's sake, Australian heavyweight Alex Leapai will need to beat American opponent Malik Scott to the punch the next time they meet - just as he did at today's press conference.

Ahead of his first bout since his shattering loss to Wladimir Klitschko in April, Leapai admitted he would consider hanging up the gloves if he lost to Scott.

Leapai will fight Scott, a man whose latest claim is being the world champion's sparring partner, on October 24 in Brisbane.

Moments after Leapai broached the subject of hanging up the gloves, flamboyant Dennis Rodman lookalike Scott vowed to retire if he lost for just the third time in his 40-fight career.

Leapai, 34, became the first Australian to fight for the world heavyweight title in 106 years when he took on Klitschko.

It was a remarkable feat considering Leapai was serving a six-month jail sentence in Brisbane for assault when Klitschko won his first world title in 2006.

But Leapai received a sobering reality check when he was stopped in the fifth round, extending Klitschko's 10-year unbeaten run.

"This will pretty much determine my future in boxing," Leapai said.

"(But) I believe in second chances.

"I got one in life and now I get one in boxing as well.

"I want to push for a world title again and to get there I have to beat this gentleman here."

But quietly-spoken Leapai was not so polite as the press conference wore on as the outspoken but world-class Scott gave a compelling argument why he would defeat the Australian after getting sparring tips from Klitschko.

"I will knock him out," an irritated Leapai later vowed.

Scott interjected: "Uh, oh. There he said it, he promised a knock out - and you were doing so well Alex."