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The Tempting Offer of a Lifetime
How often does a fighter get offered $200 million for two fights? Terence "Bud" Crawford, boxing’s pound-for-pound king and two-division undisputed champion, had this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The offer was clear: one fight in the UFC Octagon and one in the boxing ring, against UFC legend Conor McGregor. Yet, Crawford turned it down. Yes, you read that right—$200 million left on the table. Why would a man in his prime, chasing boxing glory, walk away from such a fortune?
The Historic Crossover of Combat Sports
The concept of crossover fights between UFC and boxing isn't new. It gained massive attention in 2017 when Conor McGregor faced Floyd Mayweather in what became the second-highest-grossing fight in boxing history. The event drew 4.4 million pay-per-view buys and grossed nearly $500 million. McGregor alone pocketed around $150 million, a payday no UFC fighter had ever seen before. The success of that event ignited talks of more crossover fights, where fans from both sports could witness their favorite fighters square off in unfamiliar territory.
More recently, UFC heavyweight legend Francis Ngannou took on Tyson Fury, the best heavyweight in boxing. Despite Fury being heavily favored, Ngannou surprised the world, even knocking Fury down in their bout. Although Fury ultimately won, the fight proved that UFC stars could hold their own in boxing. The idea of crossover combat took on new life, and once again, McGregor saw an opportunity, this time with Terence Crawford.
Details of the $200 Million Offer
Enter His Excellency Prince Turki Al-Sheikh, a well-known figure in combat sports. He reportedly put together a massive $200 million deal for Crawford and McGregor. The terms were simple: one fight in the UFC Octagon and one in a boxing ring, with $100 million on the table for each bout.
The offer wasn’t just a dream—it was a serious negotiation. McGregor, eager to capitalize on his stardom and the rising trend of crossover fights, was ready. The meetings took place, contracts were discussed, and all parties seemed enthusiastic about the spectacle that would surely break viewership records. However, one man wasn’t convinced—Terence Crawford.
Why Crawford Said No
For Crawford, the decision was more than just about money—it was about legacy. In an interview, Crawford explained why he walked away from the massive offer. "I'm chasing legacy in the sport of boxing," he said. "It simply won’t be acceptable to the fan base." For Crawford, fighting McGregor in the Octagon meant stepping into a world where he would be at a distinct disadvantage. UFC fighters are trained in a wide array of combat disciplines, including wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and kickboxing. While Crawford is an elite boxer, taking kicks and elbows was simply not in his repertoire.
Crawford also noted that he respects the integrity of both sports. He acknowledged McGregor’s skill in the UFC and understood that a fight in the Octagon would heavily favor McGregor. The respect was mutual, as McGregor commented, "I respect Crawford’s decision. In the Octagon, I’d have the advantage, and in the boxing ring, he would."
Despite the temptation of $200 million, Crawford stood firm. "It's tempting," he admitted, "but it's not worth it. I'm not going to do it. Legacy over money every day."
The Legacy Over Money Debate
Crawford’s refusal to chase a quick payday reinforces the growing trend of fighters prioritizing their legacies over monetary gain. In a world where big purses can often dictate the direction of a fighter’s career, Crawford’s decision to walk away from the offer sends a clear message: His place in boxing history matters more than temporary financial success. While many fans may question the wisdom of turning down $200 million, Crawford’s integrity and dedication to the sport shine through.
As the dust settles on this potential megafight, one thing remains certain: Crawford’s legacy in the sport of boxing will not be compromised. He continues to chase greatness within the ring, leaving the door open for future boxing battles. Whether or not he changes his mind about crossover fights in the future remains to be seen, but for now, Crawford has firmly planted his flag in the boxing world.
FAQs
1. Why did Terence Crawford turn down $200 million?
Crawford turned down the $200 million offer to fight Conor McGregor because he is focused on building his legacy in boxing. He also cited concerns about fighting in the UFC Octagon, where McGregor would have a significant advantage.
2. Has Terence Crawford ever considered fighting in the UFC before?
While Crawford has a wrestling background, he has never fought in the UFC or expressed serious interest in a crossover to mixed martial arts. His focus remains on boxing.
3. Will this fight ever happen in the future?
There’s always a possibility that the fight could be revisited in the future, but for now, Crawford is focused on his boxing career. Conor McGregor is also continuing his journey in the UFC.
4. What are crossover fights?
Crossover fights are bouts between athletes from different combat sports, such as UFC fighters competing in boxing or vice versa. These fights attract a lot of attention due to the clash of styles.
5. What does this mean for Conor McGregor's future?
McGregor is likely to continue seeking high-profile fights, both in the UFC and potentially in boxing. His successful bout against Floyd Mayweather in 2017 showed that crossover fights can be incredibly lucrative.
