Terence Crawford Mocks UFC Fighter Joaquin Buckley’s Street Fight Challenge

Boxing legend Terence Crawford calls out Joaquin Buckley for calling him and Shakur Stevenson out for a street fight.

Terence Crawford Mocks UFC Fighter Joaquin Buckley’s Street Fight Challenge

Terence Crawford calls out Joaquin Buckley's comments (via Instagram, MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Terence Crawford criticized Joaquin Buckley's challenge, emphasizing the dangers of street fights and the technical superiority of boxing.
  • Crawford humorously declined Buckley's street fight proposal, citing his age and retirement from professional competition.
  • Joaquin Buckley has invited Crawford to spar in Las Vegas on March 7, coinciding with UFC events that weekend.

Terence Crawford has long warned about the dangers of facing a professional boxer, stressing the precision required at the elite level. Known for blunt assessments in combat sports debates, the former undisputed champion rarely softens his stance. That was evident again in his recent clapback at Joaquin Buckley following remarks about the perceived skill gap between MMA fighters and boxers.

Crawford recently appeared on a livestream hosted by Adin Ross on Kick, joined by four-division champion Shakur Stevenson. The pair discussed a range of topics in combat sports and ongoing cross-disciplinary debates. Both questioned MMA fighters’ ability to succeed in a professional boxing ring. They also maintained that boxing is more technical, entertaining, and superior to MMA in multiple aspects.

Buckley responded by challenging Stevenson to a hypothetical street fight to determine which discipline is superior. The UFC welterweight also targeted Stevenson and Terence Crawford over what he viewed as disrespect toward MMA fighters. His response included a direct threat aimed at Stevenson. Crawford, however, pushed back and criticized the UFC welterweight contender’s expletive-filled rant

Who’s even fighting in the streets anymore? Talking about who he can kill in the streets. He must of forgot they make switches for them kind of tough guys.

Terence Crawford via X

Crawford is now 38 years old and no longer competing on a full-time basis at the highest level of the sport. While he has shown he can still take on elite opposition inside the ring, he pointed out the realities of age and mileage. In response to Buckley’s challenge, ‘Bud’ humorously emphasized that he is old and retired. The remark served as a cheeky rebuttal to the notion of engaging in a street fight scenario.

I’m old and retired yall I can’t be fighting in the streets. Especially if I don’t have the advantage. Come on yall know I’m scary.

Terence Crawford via X

Crawford has been vocal about boxing’s perceived edge over MMA whenever cross-sport debates surface. He has repeatedly highlighted the significant pay disparity between major boxing promotions and the UFC’s compensation structure. That financial gap makes a move to mixed martial arts unrealistic in his view, which is why he has consistently maintained he would never pursue an MMA fight.

Terence Crawford recently stepped away from active competition following issues with the WBC that placed the organization under intense scrutiny. Even in retirement, he has remained outspoken when addressing matters involving his name or legacy. His firm response to Joaquin Buckley also signaled that he would not tolerate perceived disrespect from a younger and less experienced fighter.

Joaquin Buckley replies to Terence Crawford’s comments

Joaquin Buckley competes in the UFC’s welterweight division and has been part of the promotion since 2020. He gained widespread recognition for a viral spinning back-kick knockout of Impa Kasanganay. Competing now at 170 pounds, he has secured multiple victories inside the Octagon against established opponents. His performances have kept him in contention within the welterweight rankings.

Joaquin Buckley challenges Terence Crawford
Joaquin Buckley challenges Terence Crawford (via MMA Fighting, Boxing Scene)

Buckley is widely known for his active social media presence, which has amplified his profile beyond the UFC. That visibility was evident in his earlier public callouts of Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson during the boxing-versus-MMA debate. After Crawford responded, ‘New Mansa’ has now escalated the situation and issued a direct sparring challenge to the undefeated boxing champion to settle the dispute.

Bud is talking crazy, acting like he would do something in the streets, saying he is going to flip the switch, he is going to need the switch if he is playing with me, Let’s get in the ring, let’s spar. You are out in Vegas a lot, you spar at the Apex, you work at the Apex. I think it would be fun. The whole world would like to watch. I know you still train for the lifestyle, I know you still spar. This is an open invitation to Bud Crawford. Let’s do it at the Apex. I’m going to try to make my way down to Vegas on March 7.

Joaquin Buckley via Instagram

The March 7 date proposed by Buckley carries added significance as the UFC will host Zuffa Boxing 04 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas that weekend. The timing places the suggested sparring session alongside official UFC programming. One day later, the promotion is scheduled to stage UFC 326 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The close scheduling has heightened attention around Buckley’s spar with Crawford.

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