In the latest chapter of an ongoing social media feud, boxing star Devin Haney has dismissed Sean O’Malley’s $1 million challenge as insignificant, highlighting the stark contrast in earnings between the two combat sports.
The exchange began when Haney commented on O’Malley’s recent loss of the UFC bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306. O’Malley, known for his colorful personality and striking skills, fired back at Haney, claiming he would “still kill” the boxer.
Escalating the war of words, O’Malley took to his channel, proposing a $1 million challenge to Haney for a no-holds-barred contest with “MMA rules” or even “no rules.” The UFC star’s bold offer was meant to prove his mettle against the accomplished boxer.
However, Haney swiftly countered on social media, belittling O’Malley’s financial proposition. “I don’t compete for a million dollars like you,” Haney retorted, suggesting instead that they engage in a boxing match for “real money.”
This exchange has ignited discussions about the pay disparity between top-tier boxers and UFC stars. While both sports demand extreme athleticism and skill, boxers at the highest level often command significantly larger purses than their MMA counterparts.
The hypothetical matchup between Haney and O’Malley would be intriguing, given their different specialties. Haney, despite a recent no-contest ruling in his bout with Ryan Garcia, remains one of boxing’s elite talents. O’Malley, on the other hand, is known for his striking prowess in the octagon but lacks professional boxing experience.
Adding another layer to this cross-sport dialogue, UFC President Dana White has been making moves in the boxing world. White is currently working with Irish prospect Callum Walsh, who recently defended his WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Title. This development suggests a potential blurring of lines between MMA and boxing promotions in the future.
O’Malley, seemingly intrigued by the possibility of venturing into boxing, expressed interest in participating if the UFC decides to expand into the sport. “I got five, six more good years in me. If the UFC is gonna do something with boxing, I would love to [get involved]!” he stated.
For now, O’Malley is focused on recovery, with hip surgery scheduled for next month. His immediate future in the UFC likely involves a rematch against Dvalishvili, putting any boxing aspirations on hold for the time being.
