Atang is already being presented as a possible successor to Anthony Joshua. He has the size, strength, and finishing ability associated with a future heavyweight attraction, despite having only eight professional fights.
His recent trip to Los Angeles strengthened the belief that the power is genuine. Atang dispatched Glen Williams in two rounds, producing one of the most impressive performances on the Diego Pacheco-Immanuwel Aleem card.
“All in all, it was a great experience getting over to the States; it’s a different world over there. Boxing outside in the heat and stuff, more stuff I can add to my experience going into the future. I enjoyed the performance, and it was a good trip. We want knockouts. We’re going to step up the levels again this year and just improve with each performance,” Atang said during the launch press conference.
In size and power, the teenager already looks ready to face top-10-level heavyweight contenders. His background tells a different story.
Anthony Joshua entered the professional ranks as an Olympic champion following an extensive amateur career. Atang had only a brief amateur run before turning professional, leaving him to learn much of the sport under the attention created by his early knockouts.
Eddie Hearn is unlikely to test Atang against leading heavyweights anytime soon. Matching him according to his visible development rather than his preparation would create unnecessary danger.
Careful matchmaking creates another problem. Atang is likely to continue knocking out developmental opponents within one or two rounds, giving him victories without the rounds needed to learn his profession. Keeping him at the same level protects him, but it also risks stagnating his growth.
That issue is already developing after eight fights. Atang needs opponents capable of surviving his opening attack, forcing him to adjust, and making him fight while tired. Heavyweights equipped to do that are usually dangerous enough to punish his inexperience.
Simply increasing the scheduled distance does not solve the problem. A six- or eight-round contest provides little education if Atang continues ending his nights before the third.
Matchroom must gradually increase the quality and resistance of the opposition without moving the teenager directly into the top tier. That balance becomes harder with every quick knockout.
The power is ready for a major test. Atang’s limited experience is the reason Matchroom cannot give him one yet.
