Terence Crawford attracted attention from a star in a different sport with his display against Canelo Alvarez on Saturday night.
Crawford defeated Alvarez in their Netflix main event, upsetting the Mexican to claim the undisputed super middleweight crown.
UFC president Dana White co-promoted Alvarez vs Crawford, partnering with Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh ahead of the Zuffa Boxing launch in 2026. White’s entry into boxing has sparked talk of more crossover fights, which the UFC CEO has opposed ever since Floyd Mayweather defeated Conor McGregor in the ring eight years ago.
Should he eventually entertain a similar bout, one matchup looks to be brewing after some fight week back-and-forth between Crawford and Ilia Topuria. Further fuel was added to the fire when ‘Bud’ walked out to the same song that ‘El Matador’ does.
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Ilia Topuria sends fiery callout to Terence Crawford as the UFC champion’s boxing talk persists
The UFC lightweight champion has boldly claimed he would sleep ‘Bud’ inside the ring, a prediction that resulted in Crawford branding Topuria “drunk.”
Topuria did not forget that or Crawford’s walkout at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium during a recent social media post.
The Spaniard vowed to “teach” the newly crowned undisputed super middleweight king how to dance, and the defeated Alvarez also wasn’t safe from getting caught in the crossfire.
“First he calls me drunk… then he walks out to MY song,” Topuria wrote 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,” he added.
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Ilia Topuria receives pushback from fans after latest Terence Crawford challenge
Plenty of fans have been warning Topuria against pursuing Crawford and completely writing off his chances against the American in boxing.
That trend largely continued after the UFC star’s latest comments.
“Big money, little chance champ.”
“I respect your UFC run, but bro, stay in your lane, you’re not going to be able to do anything in a boxing ring against Bud. Clout chasing don’t suit you.”
“Stick to MMA, pal.”
“You’re never beating Crawford in boxing.”
“Chill bro you’re a great boxer in the UFC, doesn’t mean you can stand with them.”
“Stay in your lane small guy.”
“Lad, he’d leather you.”
“You wouldn’t last five rounds.”
But not everyone was against Topuria. Some, in fact, would back the UFC lightweight champ against one of boxing’s all-time greats.
“Sounds like a plan! Crawford better be ready to learn some real moves.”
“You can take them together.”
“Ilia flatlines Bud.”
“You are an upgrade of Conor McGregor. I believe you will win in your boxing match.”
“Let’s see this happen! Champ vs Champ.”
“Topuria will knock out Crawford.”