_Martinez is the consensus best middleweight in the world and arguably the best fighter after Manny Pacquiao and Floydmayweather Jr. Most boxing pundits and fanatics alike were frustrated in the manner that Chavez won his title as WBC President Jose Suliamon in essence handed it to him on a platter by making Chavez Jr. the # 1 contender with very little to show in the way of competition. Although I agree to certain extent that Chavez did not deserve the title shot to begin with and that he should face tough competition now that he is champion, I feel like people should give the kid a break. It was not his fault that he was given the title shot while others take a much tougher road, and you can’t really blame him for taking advantage of the opportunity. So now what? Thing is, although Chavez Jr. may have in a way "punked" out for not demanding his promoter Bob Arum to make the fight against Martinez ,if you take a step back ,he will be actually be facing a tough opponent in Rubio and undoubtedly the biggest test to date. Rubio is one of those fighters I mentioned above as he has had to take a long road in order to get his shot. He has been in this situation only once before as he got the chance to fight then Champion Kelly Pavlik for the title back in February of 2009. In his first crack at the title he was KO’d in the ninth round by Pavlik and since then has had to reel off 10 consecutive victories (9 by KO) to get his second opportunity. Rubio is not flashy, he doesn’t possess great hand speed or one punch power, but he is a tough gritty veteran who is more experienced then Chavez Jr. What’s my prediction? Obviously Rubio is the best fighter Chavez Jr. has ever faced and has a good chance pull off an upset, but in the end I believe the young champ who continues to improve in each fight will win a close decision. Would I be surprised if Rubio were to win? Nope. I believe this will be a very competitive fight that can turn around for either fighter with one punch ,but in the end the “Godfather “ Bob Arum knows exactly what he is doing. He has carefully crafted the career of Chavez Jr. successfully as of now and with the continued tutelage of Hall of fame Trainer Freddie Roach I think we will see Arum’s “Cash cow” continue to grow and get better. Eventually though, Chavez Jr. will have to step up and fight an elite guy, until then let’s give the guy a break as at least he always makes for entertaining bouts.