McGregor claimed this week on a Duelbits livestream that Crawford turned down the fight. Crawford has since substantiated McGregor's words. Crawford, an undisputed boxing champion in two weight classes, confirmed he had no interest in an MMA fight against the former two-division UFC champ.

Adding fuel to an already fiery scenario is Nate Diaz, a fighter notorious for his competitive history with McGregor. Emerging from a recent victory over Jorge Masvidal in a boxing bout, Diaz has sent a challenge to the Irishman. Taking to social media (below), Diaz set out the challenge: "I box Crawford and fight Conor next 168 Ifg."

Terence Crawford seems to have a single-minded pursuit of Canelo Alvarez in progress for now, but the pound-for-pound elite and unbeaten four-division champion is finding it hard to deny that he, too,

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has revealed that he was once in talks to face boxing star Terence Crawford in the cage.

Undefeated boxer Terence Crawford said he declined an offer of a two-fight series with Conor McGregor because he was not interested in competing in the Octagon.

Terence Crawford, the boxing champion, turned down a two-fight deal with Conor McGregor because it would have required they fight once in the Octagon.