Stephen A. Smith Gives Clear Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford Prediction

Stephen A. Smith makes a clear Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford prediction

The famous analyst recently made an appearance on Andre Ward's ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT podcast and he believes Crawford will clearly win the fight via decision. Smith recognizes that it's near impossible to knock Canelo out, but has backed 'Bud' to use his movement to usurp Canelo from the super middleweight division's pinnacle.

Smith said. "I love Canelo. Crawford will beat Canelo. Crawford will beat Canelo by decision. 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 thinks Canelo's over reliance on power punching will bring his downfall. He added:

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, though, recognizes that Canelo is more accustomed to fighting at 168 lbs, meaning the power difference could be evident. "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."

Giving his final prediction, Smith said, "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."

Canelo Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) has never lost at super middleweight while Terence Crawford is unbeaten in his career (41-0-0, 31 KOs). Something has to give when they cross paths on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.