In a stunning display of raw talent, 19-year-old Leo Atang has the boxing world buzzing with his lightning-fast knockout victory. But was it too early to celebrate?
Atang, the rising heavyweight star, needed just 62 seconds to defeat Dan Garber in a fight on the undercard of Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington. The young fighter, known for his explosive power, lived up to the hype as he unleashed a relentless barrage of punches, leaving Garber stunned and the referee with no choice but to halt the contest.
This impressive performance surpasses the previous record held by Moses Itauma, who demolished Garber in one round back in March 2023. But Atang, in a humble response, dismissed any comparisons, stating, "I have a long way to go." However, his potential is undeniable, and the boxing community is eager to see his progress.
And here's where it gets controversial. The referee's decision to stop the fight so early has sparked debate. Atang, despite his dominant performance, believed the fight could have continued, suggesting the referee may have been overprotective. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, agreed, hinting that the referee's intervention was premature. But was it really? Is it ever too soon to prioritize fighter safety?
Atang remains undefeated, with all his professional victories coming by way of knockout. His next challenge is already set, as he's confirmed to appear on the Callum Smith vs David Morrell undercard on April 18. The boxing world eagerly awaits to see if he can continue his meteoric rise.
