Boxing legend Anthony Joshua came face to face with rising star Leo Atang this week, sparking excitement about the future of British heavyweight boxing. The 18-year-old, already being hailed as “AJ’s heir,” is set to make his professional debut this Saturday on the undercard of the Jack Catterall vs Harlem Eubank bout in Manchester.
Atang, a five-time national champion and winner of the 2023 Under-19 World Championships, was stunned when his idol playfully threw a few shadow punches moments after meeting him. The ice-breaking gesture quickly turned into something special when Joshua told him, “The world is yours.”
Atang later shared a photo of their encounter — alongside boxing icon Frank Bruno — with the caption: “The past, present and the future.” The moment signaled a symbolic passing of the torch, though AJ made it clear he’s not stepping aside just yet.
Speaking at Matchroom Boxing’s rebranding event, Joshua explained his recent year-long break:
“For the first time in about 12 or 13 years, I took a year out to get my body right. I’m at a different stage in my career now. I’ve got to make executive decisions about what I do next, and when I return, I’m coming back with a bang.”
Despite his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September, Joshua is determined to reignite his career and “take the division by storm.”
Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn is all-in on Atang’s future, calling him “the guy to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua.” He plans to keep Atang active with seven to eight fights per year, both in the UK and internationally.
“This is the future of British boxing and the heavyweight division,” Hearn declared.
All eyes will be on Atang this Saturday, as the teenage prodigy steps into the ring as a professional for the very first time — carrying not just his gloves, but the expectations of a nation hungry for its next heavyweight hero.
