Leo Atang: The Teenage Heavyweight Phenom Reshaping British Boxing’s Future
A New Era in British Boxing
As the current era of heavyweight boxing’s biggest names draws to a close, with Tyson Fury in retirement and champions like Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder approaching the end of their careers, the sport is eagerly seeking its next generation of stars.
Enter Leo Atang, the towering 6ft 6ins prospect from York, whose amateur career already boasts an impressive collection of five national titles and a gold medal from the U19 World Championships in Colorado.
Professional Success and Rising Star Status
After turning professional in April 2025 under Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing promotion, Atang made an impressive professional debut at Manchester Arena on July 5, 2025, securing a first-round stoppage victory against Milen Paunov.
Most recently, Atang continued his winning streak in his second professional bout at Rainton Meadows Arena in Houghton-le-Spring on September 6, 2025, where he once again demonstrated his power with another first-round stoppage against Cristian Uwaka.
A Unique Fighting Style
While comparisons to Anthony Joshua have been made by promoter Eddie Hearn, Atang brings his own unique approach to the ring. He describes himself as a smart, intelligent fighter who combines speed with power, emphasizing ring IQ in his performances.
Future Prospects and Ambitions
As a valuable prospect in the heavyweight division, Atang is being carefully managed to ensure his long-term success. While the publicity around him continues to grow, he is being allowed to develop at his own pace. The young boxer acknowledges his need for growth and maturation, maintaining a levelheaded approach as he states, ‘We’re in this game for a long time, we’re just going to enjoy every step, learn and progress as much as possible.’
