Following his victory over Canelo Álvarez in September 2025 to become the undisputed super middleweight champion, Terence “Bud” Crawford made it clear he has no interest in entertaining challenges from outside the boxing world — particularly from UFC star Ilia Topuria.
Topuria, the undefeated two-division UFC champion, took to social media following Crawford’s win and claimed he would knock out the boxing great in a boxing ring. Crawford quickly dismissed the idea, calling the comments delusional and later labeling Topuria a “clout chaser” during an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” Although the episode posted last fall, Crawford’s refusal to step out of retirement resurfaced again this month during an interview on “The Pivot Podcast.”
“I definitely think he’s trying to clout-chase,” Crawford said. “He’s nowhere near on the level of Conor McGregor. Let’s be real. Stop it.”
The exchange escalated after Topuria criticized Crawford for walking out to “Canción del Mariachi,” a song Topuria also uses for UFC entrances. Topuria suggested he would “teach” Crawford how to dance to it in the ring. Crawford brushed off the criticism and questioned why Topuria did not express interest in a fight when they previously crossed paths in person.
Despite the financial upside that has come from boxing-MMA crossover bouts in the past, most notably Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Conor McGregor in 2017, Crawford said he sees no value in facing the UFC champion.
“What money would I get out of fighting him?” Crawford asked. “Tell me how much I’m going to get out of fighting him?”
Any speculation about a crossover spectacle may now be moot. On Dec. 16, 2025, Crawford officially announced his retirement from professional boxing, turning down what he described as a potential $100 million return offer. Crawford told “The Pivot” hosts he would not come back for any amount of money.
“Sometimes you look at people and be like, ‘Dang, you ain’t got no dignity. You ain’t got no morals,’” Crawford said when discussing the idea of returning for a massive payday. “What are you gonna stand for if everything is about money?”
Crawford retires with one of the most accomplished résumés in boxing history. The Omaha native became the first male fighter to unify all four major titles in two different divisions and later added a third undisputed championship by defeating Álvarez in September. Across 42 professional fights, he earned more than $60 million in documented purses, including a reported $25 million from his 2023 bout with Errol Spence Jr. It is not exactly known how much Crawford took home from the Álvarez bout. Reports range from $10 million to more the $50 million, although The York Times reported estimates of up to $100 million.
With a net worth estimated at $30 million, Crawford appears content to walk away.
A really good blog and me back again.