A splendid display of clean striking and one-punch knockout power. You expect this when UFC champion Sean O’Malley walks into the Octagon. On some days, he makes you wonder whether he was cut out to be a boxer. We are not alone; Teddy Atlas also believes so. Moreover, the flashes of ‘Sugar’ remind him of another tall and lanky but explosive former boxing champion.

The UFC champion, at 18-1, has captivated fans with his clean striking, crafty combinations, and sizzling power behind those punches. The same was on display when he recently defended his title against Marlon Vera at UFC 299. Recalling the night, Teddy Atlas heaped praise on him and compared him to Tommy Hearns, a former welterweight champion. That’s not it. The American trainer believes he has what it takes to defeat a pro boxer. What else does he have to say?

Atlas sees a shadow of Tommy Hearns in Sean O’Malley

The 67-year-old, in a video on his YouTube channel, remembered the former great boxers who, despite having a thin frame, were explosive. Tommy Hearns, at 61-5-1, held the welterweight title and also worked his way to the top of the middleweight and cruiserweight divisions.

Atlas said, “I look at that skinny O’Malley, and I think about all these former great boxers that were also explosive punchers. Good boxers but explosive punchers. Tommy Hearns. Another guy. That guy was skinny as heck when he first came up. Welterweight, 6’2″. 6’2″, welterweight! That’s 6’2 and a half, three, welterweight! But he can punch like hell though. The Motor City Hitman could really punch.”

But what separates a 29-year-old UFC champion from others? Atlas believes it is his well-rounded game, but his striking stands out. In addition, his legs are quick, and his combinations are technically sound, which might allow him to hold ground even against pro boxers and beat them. “The guy [Sean O’Malley] is more well-rounded than most people will ever know because they only see him as a striker. But that’s all they have to see. Because he is a brilliant striker… I think he would beat a lot of pro boxers,“ Atlas continued.

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Atlas also pointed out that O’Malley has a quick pair of hands, his ring IQ is high, and his vision is clear enough to see everything. These skills might help him if the bantamweight champion someday decides to step into the squared circle. O’Malley has openly called shots at the likes of Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia in recent years, and it won’t be a shock if he puts on a competitive performance.

What do you make of these comments by Teddy Atlas? Do you believe Sean O’Malley would have been a successful boxer? Let us know in the comments below.

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