York boxing prodigy Leo Atang enjoying speed of his professional development with Matchroom
Leo Atang needed just 62 seconds to steamroller Dan Garber.
The latter, who hails from Bradford, is a 40-year-old journeyman who was never expected to get the better of Matchroom’s latest heavyweight prodigy.
However, few anticipated Garber being taken care of so ruthlessly quickly on the card building to the rematch between Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington in Nottingham.
It is less than a year since Atang turned professional but the 19-year-old from York already has five wins under his belt.
Leo Atang on latest victory
"Obviously, I felt it could have gone on a little bit more,” he said. “But also, the health is most important.
"I wouldn't have minded that highlight reel knockout as well. But both men have gone home safely and that's all that matters at the end of the day.”
Settling into professional life
Comparisons to Anthony Joshua were drawn when Atang was offically taken under the Matchroom umbrella in April last year. Such pressure could weigh heavy on young shoulders but Atang has eased into a new world with admirable comfort.
"I'm enjoying it,” he said. “Like I said at the start, this was new but I think it's helped having the back-to-back fight weeks.
"You get into a routine and you keep that set routine. You're in fight weeks, going through it.
"I enjoyed myself this fight week. It's probably the most relaxed I've felt.”
Leo Atang’s development
The fights are coming thick and fast for Atang and crucially, they will become tougher and tougher as he matures.
He will be back in the ring in Liverpool on April 18, taking on an opponent yet to be confirmed ahead of Callum Smith’s clash with David Morrell.
His ascent is being carefully managed yet it is abdundantly clear there is a high ceiling towards which Atang can fly.
It is certainly evident he has the faith of Eddie Hearn, Matchroom’s chief and the man who handed the teenage sensation a deal last year.
As Atang reflected on his latest victory, he joked he was not sure Hearn liked him having been watched live by the promoter just twice. Hearn’s response was telling.
"Leo, trust me,” he said. “I like you a lot.”