Like many UFC champions today, heavyweight king Tom Aspinall admits he’s intrigued by the idea of stepping into the boxing ring but unlike others, he’s not delusional about what that would mean.
Since Conor McGregor’s blockbuster boxing match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017, crossover talk has become a constant drumbeat in MMA. Stars such as Francis Ngannou, Sean O’Malley, and now Ilia Topuria have all expressed interest in chasing boxing paydays. Aspinall is no different at least in theory.
But he’s also refreshingly realistic.
Aspinall: Becoming a Boxing World Champion at 33 Is “Unrealistic”
In a recent video posted to his YouTube channel, Aspinall trained with influencer boxer Tommy Fury, and talk inevitably shifted to a potential boxing crossover. When asked directly about it, Aspinall offered a candid, grounded assessment of his chances.
“I don’t know,” Aspinall said. “I’d never be a world I won’t try and be a world champion in boxing. You need to dedicate your life to be world champion. I was good at boxing, but I’ve spent my whole life doing MMA now. I’m nearly 33 now. So for me to be like 33 and think I’m gonna win a world title in boxing is unrealistic.”
While some UFC champions openly call out elite boxers like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, or Canelo Alvarez, Aspinall makes it clear he isn’t pretending he could compete at that level.
“Big Fights,” Not Titles: What Aspinall Wants From Boxing
That doesn’t mean the British standout isn’t interested in boxing at all. His version of a crossover is more realistic and arguably more entertaining. “I could have a couple… not freak-show fights but big fights,” Aspinall said. “A big name or something. … I wouldn’t mind boxing an MMA fighter. I think Ngannou would be good.”
Aspinall also stressed that any talk of boxing is secondary to his responsibilities as UFC heavyweight champion. “I’ve got fights in the UFC to do first.”
Eye Injury Has Delayed His Return, But A Rematch Looms
Aspinall’s crossover curiosity comes at a time when he’s stuck on the sidelines. His first heavyweight title defense a long-awaited matchup with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 — ended almost instantly after Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in the eye, resulting in a no-contest.
Aspinall is still recovering from the injury, but early indications are that the UFC plans to run the matchup back once he’s cleared.
The Big Picture
Aspinall’s honesty separates him from the wave of MMA stars calling for improbable boxing superfights. He knows:
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He’s an elite MMA heavyweight
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He’s not becoming a boxing world champion at 33
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But he is open to big, fun crossover events especially against fellow MMA stars like Ngannou
And for fans who want spectacle without pretense, that’s probably the perfect middle ground.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
