Stephen A. Smith joins Andre Ward's The Art of Ward podcast to predict upcoming super-middleweight boxing match between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
'I'm Not Hesitating!' Stephen A. Smith Confidently Predicts Winner of Canelo vs. Terence Crawford Boxing Showdown originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The highly anticipated showdown between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford on September 13 is a historic clash between two of boxing's biggest stars, with Canelo's undisputed super-middleweight titles on the line. With Crawford’s spotless record and Canelo’s dominance at super-middleweight, this generational collision could redefine boxing’s landscape, and already has the entire sports world buzzing.
The outspoken, brash, and fiery ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith recently joined The Art of Ward podcast to share his prediction for the upcoming super-middleweight clash between the two pound-for-pound elites.
When the seasoned boxing veteran and podcast host Andre Ward asked Smith who he believes will win the fight, he responded immediately, “Crawford. Crawford. Crawford. I’m not hesitating. Crawford. I’m not even hesitating.”
Smith acknowledged Canelo’s legacy and talent but also complimented Crawford’s undeniable skill, highlighting his technical mastery.
“I love Canelo. Crawford will beat Canelo. Crawford will beat Canelo by decision,” Smith predicted. “I can’t see anybody knocking out Canelo Alvarez. But I do believe that if you can box and you can move, you can beat Canelo. You can outpoint him.”
Smith continued to elaborate on the reasoning for his prediction, specifically why Canelo’s willingness to finish the fight may not afford him a victory against Crawford.
“One of the things I don’t like about Canelo, despite his greatness... It’s like almost every shot has to be a power shot, and that’s not beating Crawford,” Smith said, analyzing the stylistic matchup between the two.
In the same breath, however, Smith also admitted that Canelo could find a path towards victory, but it would be due to Crawford’s decisions in the ring.
“I think Gervonta Davis’ trainer said this, Crawford could find himself in trouble if he decides to engage with Canelo because Canelo is the naturally bigger, stronger fighter. I don’t care that Crawford has gotten bigger. Canelo is accustomed to fighting at the weight, and Crawford is not.”
Smith ended his thoughts with a poignant message implying that boxing is not all about strength and KO power.
“I think that Crawford is brilliant as a boxer. I think that between switching to conventional and southpaw, using his jab and movement, I think that Crawford is going to outpoint Canelo because he’s faster,” he told Ward.
Watch the full episode here:
Related: Canelo Is ‘Past His Best’, Crawford Will Beat Him!
Related: UFC President Dana White Reveals Massive Plans for Canelo vs. Crawford Boxing Mega-Fight
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
