Heavy hitters: Atang and Casey aim to punch their names into York history

With just weeks to go until former GB Olympic hero Pat McCormack headlines against Miguel Parra in his hometown of Sunderland, two of York’s brightest boxing hopes returned to their own roots for a special summer holiday Matchroom in the Community event.

Leo Atang and Brad Casey – both set to feature on next month’s undercard – headed to Legions Boxing Club to spend the afternoon working with young fighters from across the city.

The day began with a hands-on boxing basics workshop, giving youngsters from Legions and the wider community the chance to learn from the hometown pair.

From footwork drills to padwork combinations, the session mixed technical skills with plenty of smiles, before an interactive Q&A saw Atang and Casey share stories from their own journeys and answer questions from the floor.

It was then on to the punch machine for a heavy-hitting challenge, with the day’s bragging rights going to James Barras – described by his gym mates as “the pound-for-pound hardest puncher in the gym”.

James topped the leaderboard with a score of 849 to win two tickets to watch Atang and Casey in action next month in Sunderland.

The visit also marked an important milestone for Legions Boxing Club, as the team prepares to move from its long-standing home of 9.5 years into a brand-new, purpose-built facility across town.

Reflecting on the significance of the day for the club itself, Ashley Martin, Head Coach at Legions Boxing Club, spoke about the pride in what has been achieved over the past decade and the excitement for what lies ahead.

“We’ve had some incredible times in this gym over the past 9.5 years, and the memories here will always be special – but to be moving into a purpose-built facility is huge for us, it’s going to give our members, young and old, the best possible space to train, learn and develop,” said Martin.

“The support from the local community to get this refurbishment project over the line has been amazing and we can’t wait to open the doors to the next chapter.”

For Atang, who made a statement on his professional debut earlier this year in Manchester, the event was another reminder of the passionate support York gives its own.

“The backing I had on my debut was unbelievable – York really pulls behind its own, and to be flying that flag every time I step in the ring is a special feeling,” beamed Atang.

“One day I’d love to headline a show at the new stadium in York. That’s the dream – and days like this, meeting the kids and seeing how much it means to them, make it even more motivating.”

Casey, an accomplished amateur with big ambitions of his own, spoke about the pride in passing on advice to the city’s young fighters.

“Standing in front of young people from your own city, telling them what’s possible if they work hard, is something I’ll never take for granted,” explained Casey.

“The last big name to come out of York was Henry Wharton – someone I looked up to growing up – and now I want to match what he achieved and then go beyond it,” he continued.

“Hopefully we’ve given the kids here a bit of belief that they can aim high too.”

Speaking after the event, Alex Le Guével, Matchroom’s Head of Community Development, praised both fighters for the way they balance the demands of their careers with a clear commitment to their roots.

“Leo and Brad are two of the most exciting prospects in British boxing right now, but what makes working with them so easy is their genuine interest in giving back,” noted Le Guével.

“There’s a lot of pressure on their young shoulders, but they handle it brilliantly and always make time for their community,” he continued.

“York has two great ambassadors here, both inside and outside the ring.”

As the gloves came off and the cameras were packed away, the sense of optimism in the air was unmistakable.

With Legions Boxing Club entering a new era and Atang and Casey taking their first steps toward the sport’s biggest stages, York’s boxing scene is not just holding its own – it’s building momentum that could carry it to historic new heights.