Four of the best fighters in and around the Middleweight divisions will be competing against one another in back-to-back weeks in September. First, on September 8, Chad Dawson drops down from Light Heavyweight to challenge the undefeated Super Six champion, Andre Ward. Then, on September 15, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. finally steps in against Sergio Martinez, widely regarded as the number 3 pound for pound boxer in the world.
All told, you'll see three of the top 15 fighters in the world, a group which includes the number 1 guy in three consecutive divisions - 160 pounds, 168 pounds and 175 pounds - and two of the best American talents in any weight class, as well as one of the biggest stars in the game.
Both of these fights carry real significance, and should be a treat for fans. That said, which is the better fight, and which is the more important?
Chavez Jr. vs. Martinez
Martinez is the clear top dog and champion at 160 pounds, but after some sanctioning body shenanigans, it's actually JCC Jr. who comes in as the titleholder. Chavez Jr. has been decried by some as much as he has been loved by others thus far in his career, but make no mistake about it, he's the real deal.
He has grown up, in size and fighting ability, quite a bit since he first began getting attention thanks to the name he shares with his father, one of the best fighters in the history of the sport. In a lackluster Middleweight division, he's the clear challenger to Martinez's throne, and will look to use his superior size and strength to unseat the savvy, slick southpaw.
Together, they are the number 1 and 2 fighters in the division, and as mentioned, Martinez carries the reputation as the number 3 pound for pound fighter in the world.
Even better, there has been genuine bad blood between these two in the buildup to this fight. Martinez feels as if Chavez has been ducking him, and he's nothing but a name -- a name who happens to have all of the fans, which based on merit, he feels he rightfully deserves. Chavez Jr. has had enough and is ready to shut him up.
It's a classic styles match-up, and it has the makings of an exciting fight. Martinez likes to draw in his opponents, and wait to pop them with dramatic, flashy shots. Chavez Jr. is somewhat of a bully in the ring, happy to take a few punches in order to land his heavier artillery.
All told, you'll see three of the top 15 fighters in the world, a group which includes the number 1 guy in three consecutive divisions - 160 pounds, 168 pounds and 175 pounds - and two of the best American talents in any weight class, as well as one of the biggest stars in the game.
Both of these fights carry real significance, and should be a treat for fans. That said, which is the better fight, and which is the more important?
Chavez Jr. vs. Martinez
Martinez is the clear top dog and champion at 160 pounds, but after some sanctioning body shenanigans, it's actually JCC Jr. who comes in as the titleholder. Chavez Jr. has been decried by some as much as he has been loved by others thus far in his career, but make no mistake about it, he's the real deal.
He has grown up, in size and fighting ability, quite a bit since he first began getting attention thanks to the name he shares with his father, one of the best fighters in the history of the sport. In a lackluster Middleweight division, he's the clear challenger to Martinez's throne, and will look to use his superior size and strength to unseat the savvy, slick southpaw.
Together, they are the number 1 and 2 fighters in the division, and as mentioned, Martinez carries the reputation as the number 3 pound for pound fighter in the world.
Even better, there has been genuine bad blood between these two in the buildup to this fight. Martinez feels as if Chavez has been ducking him, and he's nothing but a name -- a name who happens to have all of the fans, which based on merit, he feels he rightfully deserves. Chavez Jr. has had enough and is ready to shut him up.
It's a classic styles match-up, and it has the makings of an exciting fight. Martinez likes to draw in his opponents, and wait to pop them with dramatic, flashy shots. Chavez Jr. is somewhat of a bully in the ring, happy to take a few punches in order to land his heavier artillery.