Eddie Hearn says Leo Atang’s hand speed is creating an unusual problem for referees, with officials potentially stepping in too quickly because of how fast the 19-year-old heavyweight throws his combinations.
Hearn made the comments to iFL TV after Atang improved to 7-0 with his sixth knockout victory since turning professional in 2025, stopping France’s Fouad Shaili in the opening round.
I thought the Leo Atang stoppage was early, and I think he was going to get knocked out, but that guy’s a durable guy, and I think we want to see Leo Atang get a real, genuine knockout. The problem is with Leo is his hands are so fast that when he’s unloading on someone, the ref’s like, looking to jump in and probably a little bit early.
Hearn framed the observation as a reflection of the impression Atang makes rather than a criticism of the referee. Five of Atang’s six stoppages have come in the first round.
Hearn also placed Atang in the context of Matchroom’s broader group of young talent.
Leo’s 19. Adam Macka’s 19. Conor Mitchell’s 21, 22, something like that. So, we’ve got a brilliant, brilliant stable of young fighters, but they’ve got a lot of learning to do.
