Event Preview:
The upcoming heavyweight boxing matchup between undefeated prospect Leo Atang and veteran journeyman Dan Garber is set to take place on the undercard of the highly anticipated Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington II rematch. This 6-round contest represents a step-up in experience for the young Atang, while Garber aims to play spoiler against one of British boxing’s rising stars. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the fight, including key details, fighter analysis, and betting insights.
Venue Location
The fight will occur at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, United Kingdom. This 10,000-capacity venue has hosted numerous high-profile boxing events, including previous Matchroom Boxing cards, and is known for its electric atmosphere during domestic clashes.
Its central location in the East Midlands makes it accessible for fans from across the UK, and the arena is expected to be sold out for this stacked card.
The main card broadcast begins at 7:00 PM GMT (2:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM PST), with the overall undercard action starting earlier. Atang vs. Garber, as an early undercard bout, has an estimated ringwalk time of around 6:30 PM GMT (1:30 PM EST / 10:30 AM PST).
The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and US, with Matchroom Boxing promoting the event.
Injury Report
There are no reported injuries for either fighter heading into this bout. Both Atang and Garber have been active recently, with Atang coming off a January 31, 2026, win and Garber maintaining a consistent schedule without any public setbacks. Pre-fight medical checks and weigh-ins (expected on February 20) will confirm their fitness, but as of now, both appear to be in peak condition for this heavyweight clash.
Garber, at 40 years old, has a history of durability despite facing tough opposition, while the 19-year-old Atang has shown no signs of wear in his brief pro career.
Fighter Matchups
This is a classic prospect-vs.-journeyman heavyweight matchup, pitting Atang’s raw power and athleticism against Garber’s experience and resilience. Atang, a 6’6″ southpaw from York, Yorkshire, weighs in around 236 lbs and boasts a significant reach advantage. He’s trained at Legions ABC and is managed by Matchroom Boxing, drawing early comparisons to a young Anthony Joshua due to his size, speed, and knockout ability.
Garber, nicknamed “The Reaper Man,” is a 6’3″ southpaw from Bradford, fighting out of Dublin. At around 229 lbs, he’s a durable veteran who has shared the ring with notable heavyweights. This fight is scheduled for 6 rounds, but given Atang’s finishing rate, it may not go the distance.
Stylistically, Atang’s aggressive, body-attack-focused style could overwhelm Garber, who relies on volume punching and toughness but has been stopped in several losses.
| Fighter | Record | Age | Height/Reach | Stance | Key Strengths | Key Weaknesses |
| Leo Atang | 4-0-0 (4 KOs) | 19 | 6’6″ / TBD | Southpaw | Explosive power, athleticism, high KO rate | Limited pro experience, untested beyond early rounds |
| Dan Garber | 11-6-0 (2 KOs) | 40 | 6’3″ / TBD | Southpaw | Durability, experience against prospects, volume punching | Low KO power, history of stoppage losses to elites |
Recent Form
- Leo Atang: Atang is on a scorching hot streak, entering with four straight knockout victories. His most recent win came on January 31, 2026, where he stopped Amine Boucetta in the third round via body shots at Newcastle Arena—the first time he’s been extended beyond Round 1 as a pro. Prior fights: TKO1 over Babu Yusuf (Dec 20, 2025), TKO1 over Cristian Uwaka (Sep 6, 2025), and another quick KO in his debut. He’s shown improved patience and variety, breaking down opponents methodically while maintaining his power.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has hyped him as a future star, and this will be his third fight in three months, indicating rapid development.
- Dan Garber: Garber has mixed form, winning his last two fights but with a career marked by ups and downs. His recent victories include a TKO2 over an unnamed opponent on December 14, 2024, and points wins over Marcin Prostko (Feb 2025) and Pavel Sour (Dec 2024). However, he’s suffered stoppage losses to prospects like Hughie Fury (TKO5, Apr 2025), Matty Harris (Jun 2025), Viddal Riley (TKO2, 2024), and Moses Itauma (TKO1, earlier). At 11-6, he’s a proven gatekeeper who can test young talent but struggles against power punchers.
Garber has reflected on his role as a heavyweight gatekeeper, expressing ambition to upset prospects like Atang.
Fight History
Atang turned pro in 2025 after a strong amateur career (18 bouts, 8 KOs), where he competed in super heavyweight divisions and won international medals, including a 2024 World Under-19 gold.
boxrec.com +1
His pro journey has been fast-tracked by Matchroom, focusing on building his KO reel against durable but outmatched foes.
Garber debuted in 2017 at cruiserweight, winning his first four before moving to heavyweight. He’s faced a who’s who of British prospects, including Itauma, Riley, Fury, and Harris, often providing competitive early rounds before fading.
With only 2 KOs in 17 fights, he’s not a big puncher but has gone the distance in wins. This marks his first fight of 2026, following a busy 2025.Social media buzz includes Garber dropping “revelations” in interviews, hinting at strategy insights, and fans hyping Atang as the “next AJ.”
FIGHT ODDS
Leo Atang – 8000
Dan Garber + 2400
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
