
Leo Atang: Is this teenage boxer from York who just won his pro debut the 'next Anthony Joshua'?
Such a comparison is bound to weigh heavy, no matter how big their shoulders are.
Coming from Eddie Hearn, the man who led Joshua's charge to world title glory, it carries added weight.
Yet, 18-year-old Leo Atang showed no sign of any pressure during his professional debut in Manchester last night.
The youngster from York made light work of his Bulgarian opponent Milan Paunev - 23 years his senior - showing all the strength, poise and stamina that had Hearn and many others fighting amongst themselves to secure his signature.
Speaking to Calendar ahead of Saturday's fight, Atang admitted he wasn't always destined to throw punches for a living.
"None of my family are boxers. My personality is the opposite of a boxer. I definitely wasn't one of those kids you'd avoid in the playground. I was always a happy active kid so I thought boxing would fit well for me."
Atang first walked into Legion's gym in York as an unruly 10-year-old. Initially, his trainer Ashley Martin wasn't impressed.
"Bounced in, smiling, messed around for the entire session. I stood there thinking 'I really hope this kid doesn't come back.'"
Thankfully for Martin and the boxing world, Atang did come back. His strength and resilience was evident to all who saw him. With some expert coaching this kid had a chance.
Atang would go on to dominate the amateur boxing scene, winning five national titles and the under 19 World Championship last year. But instead of treading the same route as Anthony Joshua and joining the Team GB Olympic pathway, Atang chose to turn professional.
In March, Atang signed with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Promotions. His goal now, to become a world champion.
Martin says "The lad will be the people's champion. They loved Frank Bruno back in the 90's. This is going to be Frank Bruno take two."
Joshua, Bruno. Who next? Tyson? Ali? Over the years, many have been labelled the next big thing in heavyweight boxing. Many have crumbled under the pressure. Why is this 18-year-old from York any different?
"I do truly believe it and a lot of people do believe in me as well, and I feel we can get it done."
Atang doesn't lack in confidence. Neither does Joshua.

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