MMA and boxing have crossed paths more than ever in recent times and legendary former trainer turned analyst Teddy Atlas sees one man he thinks could succeed in both.
The most recent example of a mixed martial artists switching codes and lacing up the boxing gloves is Francis Ngannou. The Cameroonian Frenchman made an unlikely debut against Tyson Fury in October of 2022 and did far better than expected, even knocking down the then-WBC and lineal champion before losing a split decision on points.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Atlas is of his belief that current UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley can cross over to boxing and make an impact in a way few others could.
“He can cross over because he has the instinct, the talent, the abilities of a boxer, a pure boxer. He’s got the legs. He’s got the eyes. He sees things real good. He’s got long arms. He’s got quick hands. He’s versatile, and he can use the ring and move around and get angles. He can set traps. He’s a great, great natural counterpuncher.
If you wait in front of him, he gets out first, and puts punches together – smart and educated punches. Smart combinations, up and down. Tricking combinations. They’re advanced combinations, they’re not primitive combinations. They’re not just basic combinations, they’re combinations of a top fighter. If you walked into a room, and he was on TV and you wouldn’t see that he’s not wearing shoes, and you saw him strike, you might think you’re watching a boxing match. He’s that smooth. He’s that natural with it, that comfortable with it. He controls range and distance beautifully, and he can punch. He gets good power. Wiry guys usually can’t get good power.”
Atlas wouldn’t advise O’Malley to jump in against Gervonta Davis, but does think he would have a chance against pay-per-view star Ryan Garcia.
“I’m not knocking him, but I wouldn’t take ‘Tank’ Davis. I’m not saying the other guy is a walk in the park at all. Obviously, not at all. But I’d take Garcia because ‘Tank’ Davis to me is the more well-rounded fighter. There are more things to worry about. He can punch. He can counterpunch. He can get you. There are so many facets to his game, and he’s so consistent. Garcia hasn’t shown us that can be consistent.”
O’Malley defends his UFC title against Merab Dvalishvili in the main event of UFC 306 this Saturday.
