WBC champion Chavez looks to defend his title against challenger Lee at the University of Texas-El Paso's Sun Bowl Stadium. The bout was in danger of being canceled due to venue disputes. The initial controversy regarding the fight venue has been resolved as everyone has come to accept that the drug and gang violence in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, only a few miles away and across the border doesn't spill over. In fact, El Paso is statistically one of the safest cities i n the country.
Some are predicting yet another scoring controversy (remember, Pacquiao-Bradley) as a direct consequence of the venue. Because the fight is in Texas, a state with a large Mexican population and fan base, some have been led to believe that the judges' scoring may be influenced by this. I, however, am faithful that the fight will be scored fairly. Hopefully, the judges feel the pressure, so much so that they won't risk scoring the fight poorly so as to avoid scrutiny.
Chavez, aka The Legend Continues, is ranked the third middle weight fighter. He is used to coming into fights with a size advantage, though that will not be the case tonight. Chavez is 6'0" while Lee measures in at 6'2". The Mexican routinely comes in at 180 pounds and the Irishman consistently steps into the ring at the high 170's.
Chavez boasts a 45-0-1 record with 30 KOs. This will be his 3rd time defending the WBC title. And certainly Chavez's trainer, Freddie Roach, will encourage his fighter to avoid putting the outcome of the fight in the hands of the judges.
Emmanuel Steward, who trains Andy Lee, is largely recognized as one of (if not the) world's best trainers.
Odds: Chavez is actually a pretty strong favorite to win the fight. Several books have listed him above -365, while Lee's lines are at or above +270.
Though I am rooting for Chavez and believe he will win the fight, I think we are in for a spectacular show.
Who do you guys have taking W?
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