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TEENAGE KICKS: WONDERKIDS LEO ATANG, ADAM MACA AND TIAH-MAI AYTON ARE READY TO LIGHT UP SUNDERLAND THIS SATURDAY PhilBoxing.com Thu, 04 Sep 2025  The future is bright for Matchroom Boxing. And young Leo Atang has got everyone talking. Atang received the ultimate seal of approval from Anthony Joshua before he was the subject of a text to Eddie Hearn sent by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh proclaiming what a talent the 18-year-old Heavyweight sensation is when he announced himself to the world back in July. After just two minutes and 29 seconds of his professional debut, Atang flattened Milen Paunov with a devastating, succession of shots to leave everyone purring at what lies ahead for the talented teenager. In the build-up to his bow at Manchester’s AO Arena, Atang rubbed shoulders with British Heavyweight royalty in two-time World Champion AJ and the legendary, former World Champion, Frank Bruno at Matchroom Boxing’s exclusive rebrand launch in London. It was a ‘pinch me’ moment for Atang, who dreams of one day realising his boyhood dream of emulating his heroes Joshua and Bruno. But he is smart enough to acknowledge that there is a long road ahead yet – continuing this Saturday when he steps inside the ropes for a second time, in front of a sold-out Sunderland Live – streamed live on DAZN. “I’ve got a lot of work and maturing to do,” said Atang, speaking to John Evans at The Ring. “It’ll come eventually but we're in this game for a long time, we're just going to enjoy every step, learn and progress as much as possible.” Atang’s upcoming opponent is Cristian Uwaka – and he expects things to be more competitive this time. “He's a tough guy,” added Atang. “I think he's been stopped once. He goes the rounds and he's had a little draw upset with a debutant. It’ll be good to get in there with him. “I can't just rely on blowing him out of there with a big flurry straight away. I've got to work on him and break him down.” Things will be more settling for Atang this time round too. In Sunderland he is joined on the card by some of his best friends in the sport in fellow wonderkids, Adam Maca and Tiah-Mai Ayton – along with his Legions Gym stablemate from York, Brad Casey who makes his professional debut. Maca – also contesting what will be his second fight in the pro ranks – takes on Spain’s Francisco Rodriguez. The 18–year-old Brighton Super Bantamweight, who has a proud Albanian heritage, was nothing short of sublime when he made his impressive introduction just two weeks before Atang at The Theatre of New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden, when he made light work of Rafael Castillo, defeating the Bronx veteran inside two rounds. And Maca wants to make another show-stealing statement this weekend as he too plots his future path to a legendary status in the sport. “I’ve got a large crowd coming a long way from home,” said Maca. “I can’t wait to get in and put on a great performance for all of the travelling support.” Bristol’s Tiah-Mai Ayton was another summer debutant for Matchroom Boxing – where she duly underlined her promise as one of Britain’s best female fighters when she knocked out Sara Orszagi in a dazzling performance in Birmingham last June. Bantamweight Ayton, 19, faces Lydie Bialic on Saturday and she is determined to show why many in the sport believe she too is destined for greatness. “I can’t wait to get in there for my second pro fight,” said Ayton. “I enjoyed every minute of my debut and hopefully this won’t be any different. “I’ve worked so hard in the gym over the last couple of months so I’m excited to show everyone what I’ve been working on and make it 2 and 0 on Saturday.” Hear more from all three later today as they take part in the final Press Conference ahead of Saturday’s show. Stayed tuned to Matchroom Boxing’s social media channels for the very latest – including from the likes of Sandy Ryan, Cameron Vuong, Mark Dickinson and headliner, Pat McCormack.  |
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