UPDATE: Terence Crawford has dismissed Ilia Topuria’s challenge for a boxing match, labeling him a “clout chaser” who isn’t on the same level as Conor McGregor. This heated exchange follows Crawford’s recent victory over Canelo Alvarez, where he became the undisputed super middleweight champion.
Just hours after his historic win on September 30, 2023, Topuria, a two-weight unbeaten UFC champion, took to social media, claiming he could knock out Crawford. In a sharp rebuttal, Crawford referred to Topuria as “delusional” and “drunk” during a post-fight news conference.
The tension escalated when Topuria expressed his discontent about Crawford entering the ring to “Canción del Mariachi,” a song he also uses for his Octagon walk. “First he calls me drunk, then he walks out to MY song,” Topuria stated in a post on X, adding, “Crawford, whenever you want, I’ll teach you how to dance that mariachi in the ring.”
Crawford, 37, was quick to downplay Topuria’s advances, stating, “I definitely think he’s trying to clout chase,” during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show on October 2, 2023. “What money would I get out of fighting him? Tell me how much I’m going to get out of fighting him?” he questioned, emphasizing that Topuria is “nowhere near on the level of Conor McGregor.”
The world of combat sports often sees crossover fights generate significant financial rewards, but Crawford remains unconvinced about the viability of a bout with Topuria. He added that he had never seen Topuria fight, expressing confusion about why the UFC champion didn’t voice his interest when they met at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas earlier this year. “When he saw me at the UFC, he came up to shake my hand and say what’s up to me. I ain’t even know who he was,” Crawford explained.
This latest feud captures the intense rivalry between boxing and MMA, as fighters from both disciplines seek to establish their dominance and appeal to fans. As Crawford continues to solidify his legacy in boxing, the question remains: will Topuria’s challenge lead to a significant showdown, or will it fade into the background of combat sports history?
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as this story develops, with potential implications for both fighters’ careers. Keep an eye on this space for the latest updates on Crawford and Topuria’s escalating rivalry.
