The other part for me is that while he can say all the things he wants about “I’m the superstar,” he’s never been in a five-round fight, he’s never main-evented; he’s actually never been “The Guy.”
Chartier: It’s always been “I’m gonna be the guy when I’m ready,” but now you’ve put all that pressure on yourself, but can you step up?
And if you molded a matchup for a guy that is meant to beat Sean O’Malley, it’s Aljamain Sterling.
Kyte: To me, from the outside looking in, the pressure here is all on O’Malley; this all sits on his shoulders.
He waited, then wanted to do it quick in Boston, and got his wish. He’s saying he’s the star, he’s the champ, now you get that opportunity and what are you gonna do? That being said, I can see O’Malley being one of those guys that we don’t really know just how good he is until he’s in there with elite competition.
He might be one of those fighters that gets to the biggest level, the biggest stage and shines. He may also be a balloon that is about to get popped.
I’m so fascinated by this fight. I can’t wait for Saturday night.
