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'I've got to not force it!' - Atang keen to apply fresh lessons in Sheffield
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Leo Atang sometimes has to pinch himself when he pauses to take stock of how far he has come in less than a year on the professional scene.
"It's been hectic," he tells DAZN News, then hastens forth to clarify more. "In a good way! So much has happened. So much has been learned."
The York-born fighter leans back and glances off into the distance with a wry smile. "I've had some fun nights. I've enjoyed everything a lot."
He certainly has. Since making his debut at Manchester's AO Arena last July, the teenage heavyweight has torn through his first half-dozen fights.
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In six bouts, Atang has secured five stoppages, with only his last bout against Viktar Chvarkou in April going the distance to a points decision.
Nineteen last January, the starlet is a hot commodity for promoters Matchroom, and takes his next steps this weekend at Utilita Arena Sheffield.
"I knew before I last fought that I was on this one," he admits on his place on a much-changed bill. "I just want to fight and get rounds in as well."
How many more does he want this year as he reflects on a whirlwind?. "Four more? Honestly, I wanted to achieve exactly what I've done now."
'I thought I was boring people'
Fouad Shaili is the man Atang has been tasked with dispatching on the next rung of the ladder. It is a bout that he hopes to showcase his skills in.
"I've only seen one video on him," he notes. "He's going to come for it though. That's what I want. I don't want him to run away. I want a proper fight."
He believes it offers a chance to showcase growth after a difficult night where Chvarkou appeared to catch his number at points at the M&S Bank Arena.
"I've got to not force it, not rush it," he reflects. "I forced it. I wanted to get rounds so I was trying to be patient. Then, I thought that I was boring people."
He frowns. "I tried to rush it. That's where it went wrong. I didn't fall apart. There were a lot of positives to take from it. But there was a lot of learning too."
What does he hope to display down in South Yorkshire? Atang believes people have underestimated his ring IQ thus far thanks to his speedy knockouts.
"I can be clued up, but I just haven't shown it yet," he muses. "I've got a decent IQ. I haven't been able to show it in the pros yet. It fell apart last time."
He then amends his words. "Perhaps not so much fell apart. But I rushed it after those three rounds. A lot of things went through my head at the time."
'I'm proud to represent the city'
Still, Atang has plenty of room left to grow - and ambitions to bring big-time boxing back to a hometown that isn't particularly known for its fighting pedigree.
While football team York City lit up the region this year, and rugby league team York Knights made their Super League debut, canvas is not the language here.
Atang has the tools and the highlight reel to change it - and has his eyes on the prize. "Fingers crossed, one day, I'll be at the LNER Stadium," he grins.
What does he take from his local pride? "It's everything. I love it. When I boxed as an amateur, I was very proud to represent my country when I fought.
Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
"Now, I'm proud to represent the city. I think a lot of people are turning over to boxing in York. Give it a good few years, and I think it will be a big fighting city."
Time is almost up for Atang, with final preparations to be made before the short journey down the M1 and his latest venture into the ring seeking a fresh scalp.
He is coy on his next move, even if he already is aware of where Eddie Hearn and company plan to position him. "I don't think I can say," he quips with a laugh.
Beyond that though, hopes of challenging for silverware are fresh in his mind. When would he like to have a crack? Again, Atang grins. "Maybe next year? In due time."
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