Who is Leo Atang? English teenager opens up on how training alongside former world champions in Stephen Smith’s gym is helping his boxing career

Leo Atang is taking inspiration from some of boxing’s biggest names as he continues his rise in the heavyweight division. The 19-year-old prospect has moved to Stephen Smith’s gym in Liverpool after parting ways with his long-time amateur coach, Ash Martin. Atang has made an impressive start to his professional career, winning all eight of his fights so far. Training alongside experienced fighters is now helping him improve his skills and understand what it takes to compete at the highest level.Smith’s gym includes former world champions Callum Smith, Jack Catterall and Joe Cordina. Atang believes working around these experienced boxers creates extra pressure to perform and gives him valuable lessons every day. The young heavyweight is also focused on building his career step by step, rather than rushing towards fame and major fights before gaining enough experience.Who is Leo Atang? Young boxer explains how Stephen Smith’s Gym is helping him improveBorn on 28 January 2007 in York, England, Leo Atang has been impressed by the knowledge available at Stephen Smith’s gym. The 19 year old heavyweight prospect explained that sharing the training environment with former world champions pushes him to work harder and pay closer attention to his own performance.Speaking on SunBoxing’s Corner Talk Podcast, Atang said, “Stephen’s got bags and bags of knowledge. And I go in the gym, I walk in there every morning, you’ve got Callum there working by, you got Joe Cordina on the side. You’ve got all the boys on there working, and almost it adds that sort of pressure to make sure that I’m on it, you know?”“Obviously, I’m always working out anyway regardless, but I’m there on the pads, and next minute they’re watching me on the pads, I feel like I’ve got to do better. I’m sparring and I’m getting little tips off them after sparring and stuff. I’m working on little things from their game, and seeing how they prepare for big fights. And obviously knowing that one day I want to be in them big fights myself, it’s interesting to see how they prepare for it”, he continued.Atang is scheduled to return to the ring in Sheffield on Saturday for his ninth professional fight in just 15 months. He also has another fight planned for December 12 in Monaco.Despite his rapid activity, the teenager is determined to develop at the right pace. He wants to win the English and British heavyweight titles and believes gaining experience is essential before taking on bigger challenges.Atang explained his approach, saying, “For me, I’ve got to take the traditional route, do everything right, tick all the boxes and stuff. I feel like sometimes as well, like a lot of fighters turning over now, they almost want to skip to the stardom and the glitz and the glamour.With an unbeaten record and guidance from experienced fighters, Atang is focused on building a strong foundation for his future. His goal is to progress through the domestic ranks before pursuing bigger opportunities in the heavyweight division.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.