By Admin SHOCKWAVE IN U.S. BOXING: Stephen A. Smith Calls Canelo a “Washed-Up Old Man” – Fans Erupt in Outrage After Viral Video
The American boxing world has been thrown into chaos after ashocking videoof ESPN’s outspoken analystStephen A. Smithsurfaced, in which he bluntly refers toCanelo Álvarezas a “washed-up old man.” The clip, now making waves across social media, has sparked intense backlash from boxing fans and professionals alike, reigniting a fierce debate over age, legacy, and respect in combat sports.
THE VIDEO THAT STARTED IT ALL
In the now-viral footage, Stephen A. Smith can be seen in an off-the-cuff discussion with ESPN colleagues during a post-fight analysis. Mid-conversation, he remarks:
“Canelo? Man, please. That dude’s a washed-up old man. He’s been dodging real competition for years.”
While Smith is known for his unapologetic takes, this particular statement drewinstant heat– not just for its content, but for its tone, which many perceived as dismissive and disrespectful toward one of boxing’s most celebrated modern champions.
BACKLASH FROM FANS & FIGHTERS
Within minutes of the clip’s release, hashtags like#RespectCaneloand#StephenOutOfLinebegan trending on X (formerly Twitter). Thousands of fans across the U.S. and Latin America came toCanelo’s defense, flooding Smith’s social media pages with comments ranging from disappointment to pure outrage.
Even fellow fighters weighed in:
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Ryan Garcia: “Put some respect on the champ’s name. You don’t say that about a warrior like Canelo.”
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Jermell Charlo: “Canelo might be older, but I bet he still beats 90% of fighters out there.”
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Andre Ward: “Disagreeing is one thing. Disrespect is another.”
ESPN YET TO RESPOND
As the controversy continues to build,ESPN has yet to issue a formal statement. Insiders say that internal discussions are underway, and some speculate that Smith may address the situation on his show,First Take, in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Canelo Álvarez himself has stayed silent. His most recent Instagram Story featured a photo of him training in silence, with the caption:
“Legends don’t respond. They work.”
DEBATE OVER LEGACY AND AGE IN BOXING
The controversy also reignites a long-standing debate in the sport:When does a champion’s prime truly end?While Canelo is no longer in his 20s, his resume speaks volumes: multi-division world champion, active in elite-level fights for over a decade, and still headlining major pay-per-view events.
To many, calling him “washed up” feels less like criticism and more likea cheap shot.
CONCLUSION
Stephen A. Smith may have intended to stir debate – but he’s stirred up something much bigger. His words have not onlyprovoked the fury of boxing fans worldwide, but also cast a harsh spotlight on the way media personalities discuss legacy athletes.
Will Smith apologize? Will Canelo respond? Or will this war of words become fuel for one last legendary showdown in the ring?