Terence Crawford recently addressed Joaquin Buckley’s bold remarks about MMA fighters being superior to boxers in a hypothetical street fight scenario. The exchange began during a live stream session earlier this week featuring Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, and streamer Adin Ross, where Ross argued that UFC events provide more thrilling entertainment than boxing.
Shakur Stevenson quickly challenged this view, insisting MMA could never surpass boxing’s appeal. After clips of their discussion spread widely on social media, Buckley stepped in with a sharp reply, claiming he could “kill” both boxers if confronted in a street fight.
In response, Crawford took to X to dismiss Buckley’s comment, questioning why anyone would even be fighting in the streets nowadays. He stated,
“Yeah, I can see why he’s nowhere near the top. This guy is clueless.”
He continued with another pointed post,
“Who’s even fighting in the streets anymore? Talking about who he could kill in the streets. He must have forgot they make switches for them kind of tough guys.”
Why Crawford Avoids a Street Fight with Buckley
Following up on the interaction, Terence Crawford elaborated why he wouldn’t want to engage in a street fight with Joaquin Buckley. Citing his age and retired status, Crawford admitted that fighting in such an unregulated setting wouldn’t be in his favor. He wrote,
“I’m old and retired, y’all, I can’t be fighting in the streets. Especially if I don’t have the advantage. Come on, y’all know I’m scary.”
Crawford, who secured the undisputed super middleweight title by defeating Canelo Alvarez via unanimous decision last September, announced his retirement in December. The Nebraska-born fighter reflected on his 38 years of age and long career that began when he was seven years old, signaling that his boxing days are behind him.
The Tensions Between MMA and Boxing Debates
This exchange highlights the ongoing debate between proponents of MMA and boxing regarding which combat sport holds supremacy both in the ring and in hypothetical real-world conflicts. With figures like Adin Ross amplifying the UFC’s entertainment value and boxers like Crawford and Stevenson defending their discipline’s legitimacy, social media continues to fuel rivalries beyond their professional arenas.
Buckley’s challenge, though provocative, triggered a reminder from Crawford about the realities of aging fighters and the dangerous implications of street fighting. The conversation underscores the respect yet rivalry that exists between these two combat sports communities. As Crawford has stepped away from active competition, his measured yet firm responses maintain his status within boxing, while also reflecting on the limits of bravado outside sanctioned events.
https://twitter.com/ChampRDS/status/2021703733592146098
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 (@terencecrawford) February 11, 2026
