Undefeated boxer Terence Crawford says he turned down an offer of a two-fight series with Conor McGregor because he had no interest in competing in the Octagon.

Crawford and McGregor each admitted in separate interviews that Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, had offered them the deal. Their second fight would have been in the boxing ring.

While McGregor also confirmed the details of the fights and was willing to take part, Crawford rejected the deal.

“They offered me the fight,” Crawford said in an interview with Bernie Tha Boxer on Wednesday. “Me and Conor got on the phone and started playing politics to find a solution. Man, I can’t get a (expletive) octagon with you so you can kick and elbow me!

“He said, ‘I respect that,'” Crawford said. “‘You respect my sport just like I respect your sport. You understand that you would be at a disadvantage if you came into the Octagon with me. Just like if I got into a boxing ring with you, I would be at a disadvantage.’”

McGregor, 36, has no problem participating in both sports.

The former two-division UFC champion boxed against Floyd Mayweather in 2017 and lost by TKO in the 10th round. However, he has not fought since 2021 and withdrew from a UFC fight against Michael Chandler in June due to an injury.

“Hundreds of millions will be at stake. What’s going on?” McGregor told Duelbits. “(Crawford) said, ‘I don’t want to get kicked.’ You have to respect that.”

The 37-year-old Crawford recorded a unanimous decision victory over Israil Madrimov on August 3.

Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) is the unified welterweight world champion and WBA junior middleweight titleholder.

Ireland’s McGregor is 22-6 in MMA.