Few sights are more welcome in 2020 than the return of Sean O’Malley. After injuries and suspensions kept “Sugar” out of action for two years, he’s come back exceeding the mythical hype that built in his absence. His first-round finish over Jose Quinonez quenched the thirst of mystery that accompanies a first fight back, but O’Malley’s first-round knockout of Eddie Wineland left no doubt. O’Malley is for real.
Wineland pressed the 25-year-old early, but shortly, O’Malley started to pick up on Wineland’s herky-jerky rhythm and connected with a few good strikes. O’Malley’s uppercut feint led to a flush, straight right hand that sent Wineland flat on his back, and O’Malley walked away immediately, knowing the fight was over.
Bantamweights made statements throughout the card, and while much of it had to do with framing things out in the top 10 picture, O’Malley let the division know that The Sugar Show is looming.
