Leo Atang justified the hype in his professional debut.
The 18-year-old from York has repeatedly been compared to Anthony Joshua throughout the build-up, and he lived up to that billing with an impressive first-round stoppage in his maiden bow.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 05: Milen Paunov is knocked onto the ropes by Leo Atang during their Heavyweight fight on ‘The Warrior Code’ fight card at AO Arena on July 05, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)His opponent, Bulgarian journeyman Milen Paunov (7-16), proved no match for the teenage sensation, who blasted the veteran away in two minutes and 29 seconds.
Atang was on his adversary like a rash from the off and dropped Paunov early doors with a sickening body shot.
The travelling fighter made his way back to his feet, but not for long, as Atang continued to pour on the pressure to force the stoppage against the ropes.
Atang’s debut won’t have proved much about his stock, given the level of opposition he was in with.
However, it did show that he can hold his nerve under pressure.
Hearn has repeatedly branded Atang ‘the next Anthony Joshua’ in the lead-up to fight night, while the Matchroom Boxing promotional machine has been put into overdrive for the youngster.
On Tuesday, at a Matchroom rebranding event in London, he joined Joshua and Frank Bruno on stage for a Q&A session.
Atang was introduced as the ‘future of the heavyweight of the division’, and although there were undoubtedly nerves ahead of his first pro fight, Atang put the praise behind him to get the win.
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