Terence Crawford explains rejecting huge 2-fight deal with McGregor

Terence Crawford is not in despair. He’s earned enough in his boxing career to say no to some offers, and that’s what he did when he was offered a two-fight contract with Conor McGregor.

Crawford discussed his conversation with McGregor during a video with YouTuber Bernie the Boxer.

The offer would have allowed Crawford to meet McGregor for a fight in the boxing ring and another in the UFC Octagon.

“They offered me the fight, and Conor and I got on the phone,” Crawford said. “I just told him, ‘I’m not going to get in a fucking Octagon with you so you can kick me and elbow me and shit.’ He laughed and said, “Man, I respect that, but we’d make a ton of money, sometimes it’s not about the money I can make money, but you’re not about to. to kick me, man.”

According to McGregor, the deal would be worth $200 million, or $100 million per fight. If this is done in association with the launch of Dana White’s new boxing contract, it’s easy to see how these numbers are valid estimates.

This is especially the case if Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh gets involved to facilitate the dream fight. Crawford has minor wrestling experience and McGregor has never been a fighter who seeks to defeat his opponents. However, as Crawford mentioned, he needs to be prepared for kicks, elbows, knees and shoulders in the Octagon. Likewise, Bud would have a huge advantage in the boxing ring.

Despite the enormous benefits of every man’s primary sport, there is no doubt that it would generate enormous interest. This talk of a dream fight isn’t really a surprise, as the two combat sports icons appear to be on hold.

Crawford wants to fight Canelo Alvarez at 168 pounds, but the latter doesn’t seem very enthusiastic about the idea. Crawford could fight Sebastian Fundora or Jaron “Boots” Ennis, but having just turned 37 at the end of September, the boxing legend is very selective about his opponents.

As is the case with Canelo, it may take an inordinate amount of money for both men to agree to fight. McGregor has two fights remaining on his UFC contract. He has expressed interest in pursuing crossover fights like the one with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017.

McGregor also discussed a bare-knuckle boxing match at BKFC, which he co-owns. After pulling out of his June fight against Michael Chandler and the latter signing to fight Charles Oliveira in November, McGregor is in limbo.

Even if Crawford had accepted the proposal, both fights would have needed UFC approval to take place. If McGregor ever returns and is able to defend his UFC contract, he will almost certainly explore his options in other areas of combat sports. It doesn’t look like he’ll do it against Crawford at the moment.