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, setting a high standard for others to follow. However, Atang, 19, is determined to forge his own path, despite the comparisons to Itauma.
With a 100 percent knockout ratio in his first five professional fights, Atang is a promising talent, but he's keen to point out that his progression won't mirror Itauma's. "I'm not trying to be the next anyone, I'm going to be myself," Atang said in an interview with Sky Sports.
"Everyone moves at different rates, different speeds." Atang 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 stated.
He acknowledges that he's had to deal with the pressure of living up to Itauma's achievements, feeling like he's had to work in the shadow of his fellow boxer. "It's a pressure I wouldn't say I put on myself, but it's almost been forced upon me from outside noise," Atang explained. Despite this, Atang remains focused on his development and is expecting to gradually figure in the championship picture. "The world title's the goal for me, that's the plan," he 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."