Leo Atang’s Impressive Boxing Debut
In a memorable debut, Leo Atang made an impressive entrance into the world of professional boxing, scoring a first-round knockout against the seasoned Milen Paunov. At the age of 18, the York-based heavyweight showcased his talent on the undercard of the Jake Cattrall versus Harlem Eubank match held at the AO Arena in Manchester.
Guidance and Praise from Promoter
Under the guidance of promoter Eddie Hearn, who previously likened Atang to the renowned two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, the teenager displayed determination and skill, overwhelming his 41-year-old opponent with a series of effective body shots. After the match, Atang expressed his satisfaction with the entire experience, stating:
“It was everything I dreamed of, from the build up to the fight and the outcome. It was perfect, just what I wanted.”
Key to Success
Reflecting on the fight, Atang noted how seizing the opportunity with precision was key to his success. He remarked:
“When I hit him with the first one, I thought ‘just stay on him and get the job done.'”
While recognizing Paunov as an opponent often considered a journey fighter, Atang aimed to silence any doubts about his potential, declaring:
“I proved out there that I’m not just hype, I’m something special.”
Future Plans and Ambitions
Immediately following the bout, Hearn praised Atang, calling him “the future” of boxing and encouraged fans to support him as he progresses. With plans for Atang to fight twice more in 2025, Hearn is eager to build upon this promising beginning.
Support from Hometown
Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches, Atang revealed that while he felt nerves before stepping into the ring, the support from his hometown meant a great deal. He stated:
“It means the world that people from York have come out and spent their hard-earned money to come and watch me. We keep going. I’ll have a few days off and then I’ll be straight back in the gym to climb the ladder to the top.”
His ambition includes not just achieving personal goals but also cultivating a robust fanbase along the way.
