Shakur Stevenson credits Terence Crawford's work ethic for edge over Canelo, says win could prompt retirement

Shakur Stevenson on the eve of Terence Crawford's blockbuster showdown with Canelo Álvarez in Las Vegas praised Crawford's relentless preparation, predicted a decision win for his longtime sparring partner and mentor, and said a victory could be a fitting endpoint for Crawford's career.

Stevenson, 27, who has sparred and trained alongside Crawford for years, described Crawford as both a formative influence outside the ring and the toughest opponent he has faced inside it. "I've been trying to figure out where Crawford's competitive streak came from," Stevenson told Mail Sport. "It's got to be his family or his upbringing. ... But here's the truth, and people are gonna say I'm riding, I feel like God put him in my life for a reason. There were moments I could've drifted off, but Terence always kept me on the right path. I'll always support him."

Stevenson recalled their early sparring sessions as a painful but necessary learning curve. "Man, the first time he fucked me up, he really fucked me up," he said, adding that he resolved to keep working with Crawford until the gap narrowed. "Over the years, I started closing that gap, to where he wasn't just beating my a** anymore. But to me, he's always been the GOAT — even before this fight, he's been the GOAT in my eyes."

Central to Stevenson's assessment is what he described as Crawford's unmatched work ethic. "I've never seen anyone with a work ethic like his. He's the hardest-working boxer I've ever been around. That's what carries him in these fights," Stevenson said. He declined to reveal detailed training secrets but stressed that Crawford's preparation is the defining factor in his success.

On the bout itself, Stevenson predicted a points victory for Crawford rather than a knockout, citing Álvarez's defensive acumen. "I'm picking decision," Stevenson said. "Canelo's got great defense, he's not an easy target. He always keeps his hands up, and I think that's the most underrated part of his game. ... I wouldn't be surprised if Bud wobbled him or hurt him, but Canelo better go in with respect. I'm hearing he thinks Bud can't hurt him and I just don't believe that."

Stevenson also pushed back on arguments that Álvarez's longer résumé automatically makes him the superior fighter. "That's bulls***," he said. He suggested that the post-fight profile boosts some opponents' reputations and that headline fighters attract scrutiny that can skew perceptions of opponents' records.

If Crawford were to upset Álvarez at Allegiant Stadium, Stevenson said the optimal outcome would be for Crawford to retire on top. "Retire, bro. Retire," Stevenson said. "Sit back, enjoy your kids, enjoy your family. Forget these training camps. I told Bud he should come work with me. I'd love for him to be one of my coaches."

Stevenson's comments come from his close, years-long proximity to Crawford as a sparring partner and mentee. Crawford is the two-weight undisputed champion and Álvarez is a long-established superstar whose career spans more than 60 professional fights. The Las Vegas event is widely described as one of boxing's biggest matchups of the year, drawing intense attention across the sport and prompting debate over legacy, resume comparisons and the potential implications of the result for both men.

Stevenson has emerged as one of boxing's rising stars and his perspective reflects a blending of professional respect and personal loyalty. His prediction — a Crawford decision and an immediate retirement thereafter — frames the Las Vegas bout not just as a championship fight but as a possible career finale for one of the division's most decorated fighters.