As a highly touted heavyweight prospect, Leo Atang is now under intense scrutiny. Moses Itauma's rapid rise to prominence at just 21 years old has set a new standard, but one that may not be suitable for every heavyweight boxer. Atang, 19, is set to compete in his sixth professional bout in Liverpool this Saturday, boasting a 100 percent knockout ratio thus far. However, he emphasizes that his career trajectory will not mirror Itauma's.
"I'm not trying to be the next Moses Itauma; I'm forging my own path. He's achieved great things, and everyone progresses at their own pace," Atang explained to Sky Sports.
Atang intends to carve his own path to the top of the heavyweight division, which may eventually involve a showdown with Itauma. "It will happen when the time is right; there's no need to rush. We can both focus on building our careers, and when the time is right, it will be a massive fight," Atang stated.
He acknowledges that he faces additional pressure due to Itauma's success, saying, "I feel like I've had it tougher because he was the first to achieve it, and now I have to live up to his standards." Atang aims to continue his development this year, working through the early stages of his career before eventually competing for a world title. "The world championship is my ultimate goal," Atang said. "I know I'm on the right track, and when the time is right, my team will let me know.
I'm grounded enough to recognize that I'm not yet ready to compete against the biggest names, but when the time comes, it will be exciting to participate in major fights in the heavyweight division."