Eddie Hearn Explains Why Referees May Be Stopping Leo Atang’s Fights Too Quickly

Matchroom promoter believes referees are reacting to Atang’s fast combinations before opponents are fully finished

Eddie Hearn believes Leo Atang’s hand speed is creating a unique problem for referees. After Atang’s latest first-round stoppage, Hearn suggested officials may be stepping in too quickly because of the heavyweight prospect’s rapid-fire combinations.

Atang moved to 7-0 with his sixth knockout victory since turning professional in 2025. Five of those six stoppages have come in the opening round, underlining why Matchroom views the 19-year-old as one of Britain’s most promising heavyweight prospects.

His latest victory came against France’s Fouad Shaili, who was overwhelmed by Atang’s fast hands and sustained pressure before the referee stepped in during the opening round. Hearn, however, felt the contest may have been halted a little sooner than necessary.

“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,” said Hearn to iFL TV.

Atang was one of the standout performers on the Matchroom card, overwhelming Shaili with a barrage of punches before the referee stepped in. While few questioned who was winning the fight, Hearn believes Atang’s speed can make officials react quicker than they otherwise might.

“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,” said Hearn.

The promoter’s comments were less a criticism of the referee and more a reflection of the impression Atang is making early in his professional career. At just 19 years old, the heavyweight prospect has already become one of Matchroom’s most talked-about young fighters.

Hearn later highlighted Atang while discussing the company’s next generation of 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,” said Hearn.

Although the fight ended inside a round, Atang once again displayed the combination of size, athleticism, and fast hands that has generated excitement around his long-term potential.

Whether the stoppage came a few punches too soon is open to debate. What isn’t in doubt is that Atang left Sheffield with another knockout victory and continued his rapid rise through the heavyweight ranks.

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