Terence Crawford points out a key difference between MMA and boxing that he admires.
‘Bud’ Crawford, a champion across four weight divisions and the first male boxer to become a two-division undisputed champion in the ‘four-belt era’, shared his views.
While a potential super fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is anticipated for September, Crawford discussed his perspective on fighter image and fan support.
Terence Crawford, boasting a 41-0 professional record, expressed his wish that a loss wouldn`t diminish a boxer`s popularity and career prospects.
Crawford Highlights UFC`s Positive Aspect
In a conversation with former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Crawford elaborated on what he values in the UFC culture.
The boxing star emphasized that MMA handles fighter losses more constructively than boxing.
Crawford believes Floyd Mayweather`s 50-0 record has created a culture in boxing where fighters fear losses due to the negative impact on their careers and public image.
Conversely, in the UFC, prominent fighters maintain strong fan support even after defeats.
“One thing I love about UFC is that a guy can lose and still be supported,” Crawford stated.
“Nowadays in boxing, Floyd made it to where you lose and they are kicking you to the curb. And, ‘Oh, you is a bum’. It’s like, ‘Man! Dude lost to a good fighter.’ Do you know what I mean?
“[Floyd] left with an unblemished record, and he set the bar high. So now everybody is trying to protect the 0 because you get one loss, now you’ve gotta go way to the back of the bus.
“It’s like dang! Your shine is off now because of the fans and the media and how they go around.
“Back in the day, these fighters fought each other two and three times. I lost to him. I beat him. They were doing trilogies. You don’t ever see that no more.”
Terence Crawford`s Thoughts on MMA Fight
Despite his boxing success, Crawford has a wrestling background, adding to speculation about a potential MMA crossover.
Reportedly, Crawford declined a $200 million offer to fight Conor McGregor in MMA, followed by a boxing rematch.
While initial hints suggested a possible reconsideration, the buzz around this crossover fight has subsided.
Crawford humorously addressed the challenges of MMA, particularly leg kicks.
“Don’t kick me, man. Conor, don’t kick me,” he joked about the prospect of facing McGregor in MMA.
