The debate over the relative merits of boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) continues to simmer, fueled by recent comments from boxing stars Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson. Crawford, recently retired after defeating Canelo Alvarez, emphatically stated that “The UFC will never be better than boxing.” His assessment, delivered during an appearance on Adin Ross’ stream, centers on the differing skill sets required in each sport.
“UFC is good for what they do, and we’re good for what we do,” Crawford explained. “You’ve got to think, if I can’t whoop you with my hands, I can kick you, I can take you down. It’s a whole different mental capacity than just kicking, punching.” This highlights a core distinction: boxing’s focus on hand-to-hand combat versus the multifaceted approach of MMA, which incorporates striking, grappling, and wrestling.
Stevenson echoed Crawford’s sentiment, dismissing the notion that UFC could surpass boxing in skill. When questioned about the potential for former UFC two-division champion Jon Jones to “dominate” in the boxing ring, Stevenson’s response was blunt: “Hell no.” He then directly challenged UFC lightweight titleholder Ilia Topuria, stating, “Tell him come fight me.” This challenge underscores a growing willingness among boxing athletes to test themselves against top MMA competitors, and vice versa.
Stevenson further emphasized the disparity in skill level, asserting, “It ain’t even close. The skill level is different.” This claim isn’t new; boxing purists often argue that the specialized training and technical nuances of boxing create a higher ceiling for pure striking ability. However, MMA fighters counter that their well-rounded skill set provides a more complete and adaptable fighting style.
Topuria, currently undefeated in the UFC with a record of 17-0, has previously expressed confidence in his ability to compete with boxers. In fact, he once claimed he could defeat Crawford with a single punch – a statement that drew criticism for its perceived overconfidence. This bravado, however, is part of the promotional landscape of combat sports, designed to generate interest in potential crossover fights.
The prospect of a boxing match between Topuria and Crawford, or Stevenson and Topuria, is gaining traction, though it remains unlikely. , reports indicated that Topuria is primarily motivated by a lucrative payday, acknowledging Crawford’s superior boxing skills. A Reddit post from that date suggested Topuria “knows he can’t beat Crawford in boxing,” and is simply seeking a high-profile, high-earning opportunity.
The idea of a crossover fight isn’t unprecedented. Conor McGregor’s 2017 boxing match against Floyd Mayweather Jr., while ultimately a victory for Mayweather, demonstrated the massive public interest in such events. That fight, dubbed the “money fight,” opened the door for other potential matchups between athletes from different combat sports disciplines. Stevenson’s callout of Topuria clearly aims to capitalize on this existing demand.
However, the challenges of transitioning between boxing and MMA are significant. UFC fighter Matt Brown recently scoffed at Topuria’s call for a boxing match with Crawford, arguing that it’s “not a fair fight.” Brown pointed out that Topuria, as an MMA fighter, trains in a multitude of disciplines – striking, kicking, grappling, and wrestling – while Crawford’s training is almost exclusively focused on boxing. “It’s not a fair fight when you’re taking away all your other weapons,” Brown stated.
Brown’s assessment highlights the inherent disadvantage faced by MMA fighters entering the boxing ring. Removing the ability to grapple, kick, or take an opponent down fundamentally alters the dynamic of the fight, forcing the MMA fighter to rely solely on their striking skills, which may not be as refined as those of a dedicated boxer. Conversely, a boxer entering the octagon would be at a significant disadvantage against an opponent proficient in grappling and wrestling.
Despite the logistical and competitive hurdles, the allure of a crossover fight remains strong. Shakur Stevenson’s willingness to engage in such a bout, and his direct challenge to Ilia Topuria, suggests that the demand for these spectacles is far from waning. , Stevenson reiterated his desire to be involved in the next major MMA/Boxing crossover fight, signaling a proactive approach to securing such an opportunity. Whether Topuria accepts the challenge remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a potentially explosive showdown between two of the most talented combat sports athletes in the world.
The debate about which discipline is “better” is likely to continue indefinitely. Crawford’s assertion that boxing will always remain superior reflects a deeply held belief among many in the boxing community. However, the growing popularity of MMA, and the success of fighters like Topuria, demonstrate that the landscape of combat sports is constantly evolving. The value of each sport lies in its unique challenges, skill sets, and the entertainment it provides to fans.
