Legendary boxing trainer Teddy Atlas has expressed his belief that UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has what it takes to make a successful transition to the world of boxing. While MMA fighters often struggle in high-level boxing matches, Atlas sees something special in O’Malley that sets him apart from the rest.
Atlas points out that O’Malley possesses the natural instincts, talents, and abilities of a pure boxer. With his quick hands, long arms, and exceptional footwork, O’Malley has the makings of a top-tier boxer. Atlas goes on to praise O’Malley’s ability to see openings, set traps, and deliver smart and educated combinations in the ring. He describes O’Malley as a great counterpuncher who can control range and distance with ease.
O’Malley has not been shy about his desire to try his hand at boxing, even calling out big names like Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia in the past. However, Atlas cautions against a potential matchup with Davis, citing his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. While Atlas acknowledges Garcia’s skills, he believes Davis poses a greater challenge due to his well-rounded abilities and consistent performance in the ring.
As O’Malley prepares to defend his UFC title against Merab Dvalishvili, the prospect of a crossover into boxing looms on the horizon. With the right training and opportunities, O’Malley could make a significant impact in the boxing world and potentially face off against some of the sport’s top competitors. Only time will tell if O’Malley will indeed make the leap from the octagon to the boxing ring, but with the support of professionals like Teddy Atlas, the future looks bright for the UFC champion.