sparring vs controversy

sparring and controversy both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
sparring	Yes	No	No	No
controversy	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, controversy is a hypernym of sparring; that is, controversy is a word with a broader meaning than sparring:

sparring: an argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage
controversy: a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement

Other hypernyms of sparring include arguing, argument, contention, contestation, disceptation, disputation, tilt.

sparring (noun)	controversy (noun)
making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and arms; a part of training for a boxer	a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement
an argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage