If all goes well in 2026, there is a strong chance Itauma could be a world champion, but with this comes a massive target on his back. 

One of those who is confident he can beat Itauma is 18-year-old heavyweight Leo Atang who is just two fights into his professional career. 

Atang praises Itauma before making confident prediction

Atang only turned professional in July, and so far he has passed his tests with flying colours with two first round knockouts.

There is a long road ahead for Atang before he will be able to share the ring with Itauma, but the former rugby player is impressed with his peer's progress so far.

"I think he’s class in doing everything he needs to do at the moment," Atang told DAZN. 

"He’s doing it in style, he’s impressing everyone. I think something would have to go dramatically wrong if he’s not going to be world heavyweight champion."

With Itauma knocking out every one of his opponents since beating Kevin Nicolas Espindola on points in July 2023, you would think the majority of heavyweights would have little interest in facing one of boxing's knockout artists. 

Atang on the other hand is the opposite. 

When the time comes, he is ready to mix it with Itauma and beat him. 

"Yeah, definitely," Atang responded when asked whether he could beat Itauma. 

"I know I’ve got a lot of work to do, a lot of improvement to do, but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t believe I could."

When do Atang and Itauma fight next? 

While their paths may not cross just yet, Atang and Itauma are in action over the next month or so, exclusively live on DAZN. 

Atang will be up first. He takes on Babu Yusuf on Saturday night when Matchroom Boxing heads to Ghana for a fight card headlined by Craig Richards vs. Dan Azeez. 

Then, on January 24, Itauma will fight for the first time in 2026 when he faces the awkward American Jermaine Franklin at Manchester's Co-op Live in the main event of a Frank Warren Magnificent 7 card.

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