EDDIE HEARN believes he has found and signed Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight successor.
AJ turned professional with Hearn in 2013 – one year after winning gold at the London Olympics.
Joshua went on to win the world titles twice and headlined some of the biggest bouts in recent memory.
But now aged 35, the British legend is heading towards the end of his career with a huge void to be left.
And Hearn reckons he has found the perfect man to succeed AJ in Leo Atang – a champion of the amateurs.
Atang – a former rugby league winger from York – is a five-time national champ.
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He won the World Boxing Under-19 world championships last year – stopping Korean Lee Geon Hui inside the first round.
And 18-year-old Atang has snubbed a run at the Team GB set up and dreams of the Olympics to turn pro under Hearn.
Hearn said: “He’s the guy in my opinion to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua and ignite the heavyweight division to all kinds of fanbases across the country.
“Young man, plenty of work to do, we’re going to box him all across the country, all over the world.
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“Seven, eight fights a year but remember what I say, everybody in this arena, everyone tuning in on DAZN, follow this young man, remember the name.
“This is the future of British boxing and the future of the heavyweight division.”
Atang will be managed by former world champion Sunny Edwards and Anthony Fitzpatrick.
He said: “It’s a dream come true to sign with Matchroom.
“My team and I have had many good conversations leading to me turning pro. But I knew this one just felt right from the start. It’s what I always hoped for.
“I cannot wait to get started with Eddie, Sunny, Anthony Fitzpatrick and all the team at Matchroom Boxing.
“More importantly, I just want to get in the ring and show the whole world what I am all about. We put the work in and we put the hours in. I live the life.
“My mentality is – push myself the absolute limit and leave no stone unturned. I’m fit, I’m strong and I’l be ready to go with anyone tomorrow.
“I’ve got what it takes to go to the top of this sport. The future is here.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
