BOXINGTALK : BOXINGTALK STAFF PREDICTIONS: CHAVEZ JR.-LEE

G. Leon: Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. by late stoppage. Andy Lee will have his moments and his southpaw stance will frustrate Chavez for a while, but Chavez is too strong and will overpower Lee down the stretch.

Stephen "Breadman" Edwards: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. should be able to outmuscle his opponent. Andy Lee will land his nasty right hook enough to make it close, but I think Junior fights better going forward. This could be a fight-of-the-year type slugfest as both guys will go for it. Since we are being proactive with possible shady officiating, Texas has notoriously had a poor commission. Let's see if Chavez makes weight legitimately, let's see if he takes a drug test afterwards and let's see if the judges are fair.

John McCormick: Despite the worrisome fans and experts, I don't believe there will be any controversy in the scoring of this fight. I have not been impressed with Chavez Jr. in the past but he has molded into a strong, huge middleweight with a decent chin. Lee on the other hand, has always been mediocre. I'm picking Chavez Jr. to bully Lee en route to a 116-112 clear, controversy-free unanimous decision victory.

Scott Shaffer: I think Lee's promoter and trainer, Lou DiBella and Emanuel Steward, will both impress upon Lee the need for a knockout. But Chavez is really a light heavyweight in a middleweight's body, and he has made huge improvements in the last year. After some competitive early rounds, I think Lee will wear down and get stopped around the ninth.

Doveed Linder: Chavez via decision. These guys aren't that far apart skill-wise. They're both good fighters, but I think Chavez's physical strength will be the difference.

Michael Walters: Chavez by UD because promoter Bob Arum's good ole buddies in Texas will take care of him no matter what happens. If Chavez gets knocked out, he'll still get a draw.

Rob Soucy: This should be a good fight but can Lee win a decision over Chavez in Texas?. However, with all the bad decisions and other publicized controversy that the sport of boxing has endured lately, it may not be a bad spot for Lee after all. Neither fighter has fought anyone as good as his opponent, so I expect a tough, close fight and can't see either guy dominating. I think Lee's jab will be the key as he has the ability to outbox Chavez from his southpaw stance. I think Chavez has the slightly better chin but don't see either fighter winning by knockout. I'm going with Chavez by very controversial split decision!