Crawford Ignores Topuria: “He Seeks Fame, He’s Not at the Level”

Ilia Topuria Challenges Terence Crawford: An Impossible Crossover?

Following Terence Crawford’s impressive victory over Canelo Álvarez, a new contender has spoken up, although not exactly one that interests the champion. Ilia Topuria, the undefeated two-division UFC champion, has expressed his interest in facing Crawford, the undisputed champion in three boxing categories. Topuria, known for his power in the octagon, has challenged Crawford through social media, suggesting that he would knock him out in a boxing match. First he calls me a drunk, then he uses MY song,” Topuria posted on X. “Crawford, whenever you want, I’ll teach you how to dance that mariachi in the ring. And Canelo, I’ll save you a round after him. Crawford, for his part, has downplayed Topuria’s provocations, calling him a “fame seeker” and stating that he is not at the level of Conor McGregor. In an interview, Crawford commented:

I definitely think he’s trying to get attention. I definitely think he would get in the ring with me for the fight check. That’s what we all do it for, but at the same time, I don’t know what the hell he’s doing. I don’t know what he’s thinking. There wouldn’t even be anything to talk about.

Terence Crawford

Crawford also mentioned that he has never seen Topuria fight and questioned why the UFC champion did not express his desire to fight him when they met at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. Crawford dismissed any comparison with the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and McGregor, arguing that a fight with Topuria would not bring him economic or sporting value. Crawford finished by saying:

What money would I get from fighting him? Tell me how much I’m going to get from fighting him? He’s nowhere near Conor McGregor’s level. Let’s be realistic. Period. Don’t even compare him to Conor… Like I said, I don’t know this guy. I’ve never seen this guy fight, and I watch a lot of MMA.

Terence Crawford