As a highly touted heavyweight prospect, Leo Atang is under pressure to perform. Moses Itauma set a high standard by turning pro as a teenager and quickly establishing himself as a world-level contender at just 21 years old.
However, Atang is determined to forge his own path. At just 19 years old and with five professional fights under his belt, Atang has a 100 percent knockout ratio, but he's keen to point out that his progression will be different from Itauma's.
"I'm not trying to be the next anyone, 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 it tougher than Itauma, as he's had to live up to the expectations set by Itauma's rapid rise.
"I feel like I've had it tougher just because he was the only one to do it at the start, so everyone's always praised him. Whereas me, I've almost got to do it in his shadow," Atang said.
Despite the pressure, Atang is focused on continuing his development and working through the apprenticeship phase of his career. His ultimate goal is to win a world title. "The world title's the goal for me, that's the plan," Atang said. "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."