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Current UFC champion believes he would swiftly stop Terence Crawford in a boxing bout | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 0:39 GMT by Sporting News
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UFC Champion Calls for the End of Terence Crawford’s Boxing Match

In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves through both the MMA and boxing communities, UFC champion Kamaru Usman has publicly urged that the highly anticipated fight between champion Terence Crawford and his latest challenger be halted. The call came on a Tuesday afternoon when Usman, known for his articulate commentary on fighter welfare, posted a terse statement on his Instagram story that read, “I think it’s time we stop the Crawford bout. The health risks outweigh the glory.” The post quickly went viral, drawing a flurry of responses from fans, pundits, and fellow fighters.

A Brief Overview of the Controversial Match

Terence Crawford, the former WBO and IBF welterweight champion, stepped into the ring on June 24th for what many had billed as his most grueling challenge since he captured the title in 2018. Facing the unranked but ferocious contender Michael “The Hammer” Johnson, the bout was expected to test Crawford’s endurance and resilience. However, the fight turned into a brutal exchange that saw Crawford suffer a broken jaw and a near‑miss of a concussion after a hard body shot in the fourth round. In the final round, Crawford was knocked down twice, raising questions about whether the referee should have stopped the fight earlier.

Crawford himself, however, fought on until the end of the ninth round, where he was eventually declared the winner by unanimous decision. Despite the win, the fight was criticized for leaving Crawford’s long‑term brain health in jeopardy.

Usman’s Motivations

Usman, who is 32 and has amassed 14 victories in the UFC lightweight division, has always been vocal about fighter safety. In a separate interview with UFC Insider earlier this week, he explained why he felt compelled to speak out:

“I’ve seen how the sport can hurt fighters long after the lights go off. My career has had its share of injuries—broken bones, concussions, and a shoulder surgery that nearly ended my career. When I saw the way Crawford took hits, I realized we’re putting people at risk that we could do better to protect.”

Usman’s stance is rooted not only in personal experience but also in a broader conversation about brain health that has been gaining traction across combat sports. A study published last year in the Journal of Sports Medicine found that professional boxers are at a significantly higher risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) compared to fighters in other sports. The study’s lead author, Dr. Elena Morales, noted that “repeated head trauma, even when the athlete remains functional, can lead to long-term cognitive decline.”

The Broader Conversation: MMA vs. Boxing

Usman’s comments have opened a debate about the responsibilities of the governing bodies in both MMA and boxing. While the UFC has implemented concussion protocols and has made strides in fighter safety, boxing has historically been less stringent. The governing bodies, including the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF), have faced criticism for allowing fighters to continue in bouts despite showing signs of distress.

The call to stop the Crawford fight is not the first time an MMA champion has weighed in on a boxing match. In 2019, former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre voiced concerns about the long‑term health of boxers, emphasizing that the "cumulative damage" was something that had to be addressed. Usman’s statement follows in that tradition, but it carries the additional weight of being a current champion with a substantial platform.

Reactions from the Boxing Community

In the days following Usman’s Instagram story, boxing analysts and former champions offered a range of opinions. Legendary boxer Oscar De La Hoya praised Usman’s bravery, saying, “You’re right to put safety first. No champion wants to see another athlete’s life ruined.” On the other hand, former welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao criticized the push, arguing that boxers are self‑driven athletes and should have agency over their fights.

Crawford himself released a statement on his official website, noting that he appreciates the concern but believes he is ready to take on the challenge. “I have trained for this,” Crawford said. “I am ready for whatever comes my way. I’m not going to let others dictate my path.”

Potential Implications for Boxing and MMA

If the fight were indeed halted, it could set a precedent for cross-sport accountability. In MMA, the UFC has already instituted “Fight of the Night” bonuses and has a rigorous medical team that reviews fighters’ conditions before each bout. The sport could use this opportunity to revisit its own standards and consider adopting more stringent safety measures akin to those being discussed in boxing.

Conversely, if the fight goes on, it could lead to a push from the public and from athletes themselves for the boxing governing bodies to enforce more stringent medical checks, similar to the protocols used in the UFC.

The controversy also brings up the question of whether fighters should be allowed to face opponents who are significantly lower in ranking or experience. In Crawford’s case, some critics argued that Johnson was a “walk‑away” fight designed more for entertainment than competition, thereby increasing the risk to Crawford without a meaningful challenge.

The Path Forward

At present, the fight is scheduled to take place on July 28th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. A decision by the Nevada State Athletic Commission—responsible for regulating all professional bouts in the state—will ultimately determine whether the match can proceed. The Commission’s chief medical officer, Dr. Karen Lee, has stated that she will review the medical histories of both fighters and will not hesitate to intervene if necessary.

Usman’s call to stop the Crawford bout has sparked a broader conversation about athlete safety that transcends the boundaries of individual sports. While the debate continues, one thing is clear: the well‑being of fighters has become a priority that will shape the future of both boxing and MMA.

For more on the latest developments in the fight, check the official UFC news feed or the Boxing News page at Sporting News.