As a highly touted heavyweight prospect, Leo Atang is under pressure to perform. Moses Itauma, who turned pro as a teenager, has quickly established himself as a world-class contender at just 21 years old. However, Atang is determined to carve his own path, stating, 'I'm not going to be the next anybody, I'm going to be myself.' Atang, 19, is set to face his sixth professional fight in Liverpool and boasts a 100% knockout ratio.
He acknowledges that his progression will differ from Itauma's, saying, 'Everyone moves at different rates, different speeds.' Atang aims to reach the top of the heavyweight division in his own time, which may eventually involve a bout against Itauma. 'Of course, it'll happen, but when the time's right.
There's no rush for either of us,' he said. Atang feels that he has faced more pressure due to Itauma's rapid success, saying, 'I've almost got to do it in his shadow, I've got to live up to what he's done.' Despite this, Atang remains focused on his goal of becoming a world champion, stating, 'The world title's the goal for me, that's the plan.' He is aware that he still has development to undergo but is confident in his current pace, saying, 'I know I'm on the right path at the moment, I know I'm at the right pace as well.'