Moses Itauma isn’t the only precocious heavyweight talent hailing from British shores.

Eddie Hearn believes he too has something special on his hands in 18-year-old amateur standout Leo Atang.

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Atang is promoted by HearnCredit: GETTY
The York puncher enjoyed a fruitful tenure in the unpaid ranks, which included five national titles and a gold medal at the Under-19 World Championships last year in Colorado.

On Saturday night, Atang makes his professional debut on the Jack Catterall-Harlem Eubank undercard in Manchester against Bulgarian journeyman Milen Paunov (7-15).

Throughout the build-up to fight night, Hearn has repeatedly referred to Atang as ‘the next Anthony Joshua’.

Meanwhile, he was welcomed onto the stage in London on Tuesday for a Q&A session with AJ and Frank Bruno in a showcase of Matchroom Boxing’s ‘past, present, and future talent’.

Few fighters have had as much expectation placed upon them before their pro debut, but Atang seems to have a good head on his shoulders.

“It is an honour to be compared to him [Anthony Joshua], and there is a lot of pressure,” he told talkSPORT.com during an exclusive interview.

“But I’m keeping grounded, I’m in the gym every day working.

“I know what I can be, but I also know what it takes to get me there.”

Atang’s decision to stick with his long-time amateur coach, rather than switch to one of boxing’s big-name trainers, further paints the picture of a level-headed fighter.

“I’m still with my amateur coach, Ashley Martin (of Legions ABC),” he added.

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Atang has repeatedly been compared to AJCredit: Instagram – Leo Atang
“I wouldn’t stay with him if I didn’t believe he could take me all the way…

“I know there are people who are interested. I’ve heard rumours, but like I say, we are keeping grounded.

“I’m working with what I know works. He has got me here for a reason, and I believe he can take me all the way.”

Atang has all the attributes required to be a successful heavyweight.

The teenage sensation stands 6ft 6ins tall, possesses lightning-fast hands and racked up his fair share of stoppages during a 34-4 run in the amateurs.

It is now down to his handlers to guide his career properly, ahead of what is expected to be an active first 12 months as a pro.

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Atang makes his pro debut on Saturday nightCredit: GETTY
“I’m hoping for eight fights [in 12 months],” Atang continued. “Hopefully, [on big undercards].

“I didn’t get to box much as an amateur; I had a lot of pullouts.

“Often I’d enter tournaments and nobody would be in it for me.

“So I’m not bothered about constantly being in the gym because it is making up for lost time as an amateur.”