Eddie Hearn’s ‘next Anthony Joshua’ scores second first-round knockout in two months

Young Leo Atang moved to 2-0 on Saturday night with another first-round knockout.

The precocious 18-year-old put on a boxing clinic at the Sunderland Live Arena against Portsmouth’s Cristian Uwaka (1-6-1) on the Pat McCormack vs Miguel Parra undercard.

Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Atang sent Uwaka tumbling to the canvas early courtesy of a clubbing right hand, and showed excellent composure in holding his shape and not rushing his work when his opponent climbed back to his feet.

A rapid flurry decked Uwaka again moments later, and although the brave journeyman met the count, referee Neil Close had seen enough and waved off the fight after 2 minutes and 31 seconds of action.

“I was so focused on the fight I forgot you had to do all this talking after,” said a typically self-critical Atang.

“I still tried to be calm, look for the openings and stuff like that.

“Being calm, finding the openings and not just going for it, waiting for the right time and the right moments. 

“Of course, I was nervous; it means so much to me. Boxing is my life.

“Next? Just activity, straight back in the gym on Monday, working on all the mistakes I made in there.

“I’m nowhere near the finished article yet.”

Atang is scheduled to return to the ring on October 11 in Sheffield against a yet to be announced opponent.

It will mark his third fight in three months after making his professional debut in July with a one-round blowout of Milen Paunov (7-16).

Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Who is Leo Atang?

The York puncher is promoted by Eddie Hearn, who has already branded Atang ‘the next Anthony Joshua’.

And there are embryonic signs that he could fulfil that prophecy.

Atang enjoyed a stellar amateur career, winning five national titles and a gold medal at the Under-19 World Championships last year in Colorado.

Standing 6ft 6in tall and weighing 230lbs, Atang certainly fits the dimensions of a modern heavyweight.

His blistering hand speed, excellent fundamentals, and natural finishing instincts also bode well for the future.

Unlike his counterpart Moses Itauma, who has risen through the ranks at an unprecedented rate, Atang is expected to have a more careful and considered career path.

The feeling amongst his handlers is that he needs to stay active while landing the right fights at the right time.