As a highly touted heavyweight prospect, Leo Atang is under pressure to perform. Moses Itauma, who turned pro as a teenager, has rapidly established himself as a world-level contender at just 21 years old. However, Atang is determined to forge his own path, rather than following Itauma's example. At just 19 years old and with a 100 percent knockout ratio, Atang is a promising talent, but he's keen to point out that his progression will be different.
"I'm not going to be the next anybody, I'm going to be myself," Atang told Sky Sports. He intends to plot his own course to the top of the heavyweight division, which may eventually involve a showdown with Itauma. "Of course, it'll happen, but when the time's right.
There's no rush for either of us. We can wait and build our names, and when the time's right, it'll be a massive fight," Atang said. Atang feels that he's had to work harder to prove himself, as he's been living in Itauma's shadow. "I've almost got to do it in his shadow, I've got to live up to what he's done.
So I've also really had that pressure on me from the start, I feel like," he added. Despite this, Atang is focused on continuing his development and working towards a world title. "The world title's the goal for me, that's the plan.
I know I'm on the right path at the moment, I know I'm at the right pace as well. When it's time to let me off the leash, that's up to the team to let me know," he said.