FightHype staff predictions are in for this weekend's clash as undefeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. faces Jose Celaya for the WBC Continental Americas light middleweight title on Top Rank's "Latin Fury" Pay-Per-View card this Saturday, February 9th. Who will win? Who will lose? Get the answers to these questions and more in FightHype's staff predictions.
Ben "The Hype" Thompson - Chavez by Unanimous Decision
Make not mistake about it...Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is the future of Top Rank and there's no way that Bruce Trampler is putting him in the ring with someone that might clip him. Celaya might turn out to be a tougher than expected test for the young superstar, but I fully expect Chavez, who continues to improve with each outing, to walk away with the decision. Celaya will have his moments, but they won't be good enough to win him the rounds (especially if they're close) and since he's not a big puncher, I'll take Chavez by unanimous decision.
Percy "The Talent" Crawford - Chavez by Decision
He won't stop Celaya, but he'll pass his toughest test to date!
Angel Colon - Chavez TKO9
Charles Presnell - Celaya by Decision
Celaya has a ton more experience and he should be able to win this fight with slick boxing and clean punching. It'll be difficult for Celaya to win a decision, but he should be able to win the fight cleanly enough to make the judges score it for him.
Sean Malone - Chavez TKO8
I think that Chavez has proven that he has legitimate skills and star potential. Besides, no way Top Rank upsets the apple cart on a small PPV. I like Chavez in this one.
Joe DeMaria - Chavez by Unanimous Decision
Jose Celaya is a competent fighter, but I don't think he has the size, strength or power to really trouble Chavez. JC is better at his craft and has been brought along very well; this is just another step for him. Celaya will be forced to put in work early, but it won't be enough. I think Chavez cranks out a unanimous decision.
Jeff Young - Chavez TKO9
Jack Plato - Chavez by Unanimous Decision
Joey "Titlebelt" Karash - Chavez KO7
Simon Ruvalcaba - Celaya by Split Decision
My head says Chavez, but my heart and my hopes are rooting for Celaya. It's a biased vote for a friend, but I think he can do it if he jumps on Chavez and puts enough rounds in the bank. If he doesn't start fast, I think Chavez dominates. I'll say Celaya controls the action early and Chavez late, and Celaya pulls out a split decision or loses a controversial decision.
John Tandy (Editor, www.ultimateboxingresults.com) - Chavez TKO8
Chavez Jr. has spent his whole career facing fighters that he has an edge over. He has been lined up against decent fighters, but the fights never seem to happen. Once again, Chavez faces a man with a decent record, but is not really the test that the fans of Chavez are looking for. Celaya's record is mainly manufactured and the few times he has stepped up in class, he has been beaten. This will be no exception. Chavez will be too good and should win in the mid rounds.