Terence Crawford gives one-word reaction as Conor McGregor reveals massive potential payouts for their mixed two-fight deal
Conor McGregor and boxing star Terence Crawford were reportedly in negotiations for a massive two-fight deal, one in MMA and the other in boxing. However, the deal fell apart due to Crawford's hesitation to step inside the octagon. Despite the reluctance, McGregor recently revealed the substantial payout that was on the table to elevate the stakes of the potential clash.
Crawford recently confirmed that Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, had offered him and McGregor the lucrative two-fight deal. However, Crawford made it clear that he was unwilling to compete in MMA owing to the kicks and elbows inherent in the sport.
The discussions seem to have resurfaced according to an Instagram post by The Mac Life. McGregor highlighted the potential payday for both fighters, writing:
"Big respect to @tbudcrawford! $100 million a fight, 1 MMA, 1 boxing. $200 million!"
Crawford responded with a simple, one-word reply:
"Tempted."
Check out the Instagram post below:
McGregor was the first to reveal these discussions during a Duelbits live stream. 'The Notorious' is well-versed in the landscape of crossover matchups, having faced Floyd Mayweather in a 2017 boxing match, which ended in a 10th-round TKO loss. Conor McGregor's boxing record stands at 0-1, and he has expressed interest in competing against several boxers in the past, including boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
Fight fans, on the other hand, believe Crawford is one of the few boxers capable of transitioning to MMA, owing to his amateur wrestling background. Crawford belongs to a family with a wrestling background and he has ensured his children get trained in wrestling.
When Bob Arum proposed a two-fight deal between Terence Crawford and Conor McGregor
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum was among the first to propose the unique two-fight deal between UFC star Conor McGregor and undefeated boxing sensation Terence Crawford.
Arum's plan involved McGregor first fighting Crawford under MMA rules followed by a boxing match. Arum believes this matchup would be highly appealing to the public, as it features an elite boxer taking on a top MMA fighter. Speaking in an interview with ESPN, Arum said:
"You've got an elite boxer in Terence Crawford fighting an elite MMA guy in Conor McGregor under MMA rules. You don't think that would be interesting and something the public would want to see? I think it's very realistic. Whenever they are ready, we are ready. We'd do the MMA fight first if that's what they want." [h/t: ESPN]