Leo Atang Embraces Pressure to Follow Moses Itauma's Footsteps
A rising star in the heavyweight boxing scene, Leo Atang finds himself under significant pressure as he prepares for his sixth professional fight in Liverpool this Saturday. At just 19 years old, Atang boasts an impressive 100% knockout ratio, yet he emphasizes that his journey will differ from that of Moses Itauma, who has rapidly ascended to become a world-level contender by the age of 21. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Atang stated, "I'm not going to be the next anybody. I'm going to be myself." He recognizes Itauma's remarkable speed in the sport but insists that each boxer has their own unique path and timeline. Key points from Atang’s perspective include: He acknowledges that a future bout with Itauma is inevitable but insists there’s no rush, stating, "Of course, it'll happen but when the time's right." Atang feels the pressure to match Itauma's achievements, noting, "I've got to live up to what he's done." He describes this expectation as a pressure that has been "forced upon me from outside noise." Despite acknowledging the challenges ahead, Atang remains focused on his goal of becoming a world champion. He asserts, "The world title's the goal for me. That's the plan." Atang is determined to continue his development in the ring, confident that when the time comes, he will be ready for the big fights that lie ahead in the heavyweight division.
Source: Sky Sports - 2026-04-18