Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing very recently signed British heavyweight amateur standout Leo Atang back in April. Now in May it has been confirmed that Atang will be making his pro debut on the undercard of Jack Catterall vs Harlem Eubank. The card will take place on July 5th at the AO Arena in Manchester. This signing is very interesting as Atang is the first British heavyweight Hearn has signed in a while. On top of that Atang is young, only being 18 and despite his youth has had an intriguing amateur career.
Atang Amateur Career
Leo Atang unsurprisingly, given his youth has had quite a short amateur career from 2022-2024. He amassed a record of 16-1 which despite being a small amount is an impressive record. What makes the record more impressive is all the competing in tournaments and success within those tournaments.
By 2023 he was 5-0 and competing in the European Junior Championships 80kg+ category. However, he would experience his first loss during the competition, losing a split decision. Despite the loss Atang went on to have an excellent 2024. In 2024 he won the Youth National, the EUBC European Youth Championships, Three Nations Youth, Male Youth Haringey Box Cup , and World Under Nineteen Championships 90+ Kg category.
Following his victory at the World Under Nineteen Championships he decided to go pro. Given the success it is surprising he didn’t elect to wait for the 2028 Olympics given he is only 18 and would have been 21 by then. Getting gold at the Olympics or even participating would raise his profile exponentially however it isn’t necessary. Instead Atang has elected to turn pro and go a similair route to Moses Itauma another young sensation in the heavyweight division.
Pro-Debut
Atang’s opponent for his debut is yet to be announced but no doubt it will be some knock over job for him to smoke. At this stage, Atang doesn’t need high level opposition and given his youth Matchroom can take their time gradually building him up. However, if he looks particularly impressive they may be able to step him up a bit quicker. It all depends on how he looks in his debut, which we will eagerly wait for.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
