Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Knocks out Andy Lee: 5 Fighters He Could Face Next

Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (46-0-1, 32 KO) has knocked out his stiffest challenge yet in Andy Lee in Round 7 under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Lee (28-2, 20 KO) was faster with better athleticism and a southpaw stance that should've been a bigger problem to Chavez, but Chavez was bigger than any problem he could've faced in that El Paso ring.

Chavez's great chin, constant body attack and ability to cut off the ring won him the fight and raised expectations.

His options are open, and the sky seems to be the limit for this young warrior with a big heart.

Here are the five best potential opponents for Chavez as he continues his career.

Sergio Martinez

Sergio Martinez (49-2-2, 28 KO) is widely considered the best middleweight in the world right now. Martinez has been trying to face Chavez for a year now.

Reportedly, the two are finally set to fight on HBO pay-per-view this September 15 in Las Vegas. Martinez is the biggest challenge of Chavez's career with his speed, agility and boxing skills.

His tricky counter shots have dented many durable chins and sent his last four opponents plummeting to the canvas for the count. Will Chavez be next? Maybe fans will find out in the fall.

Daniel Geale

Daniel Geale (27-1, 15 KO) has shown that he's willing to travel to foreign territory outside of his native Australia to bring back a belt.

Geale is set to unify his IBF middleweight title with the WBA portion that currently belongs to Felix Sturm (37-2-2, 16 KO) in Sturm's homeland of Germany in September.

Because Sturm doesn't travel after the robbery he suffered against Oscar De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KO) years ago, Chavez will have to hope Geale wins.

If he does, Chavez could lure Geale to Texas with the chance for a big payday and American fame that many foreign boxers crave so badly.

If Chavez handles Martinez and Geale handles Sturm, Chavez-Geale will be an action-packed fight that gives the winner a chance to continue unifying the division.

The Gennady Golovkin vs. Dmitry Pirog Winner

Gennady Golovkin (23-0, 20 KO) defends his WBA regular title against Dmitry Pirog (20-0, 15 KO), who also defends his WBO title on August 25.

Both are technically brilliant fighters with a lot of power. Chavez has a certified world-class chin, but it would be put to the test against the winner of this fight.

This could be a legacy-defining classic to add to his career.

Kelly Pavlik

Kelly Pavlik (39-2, 34 KO) is a former middleweight champion that's now a super middleweight contender. He's gone 3-0 as a super middleweight and could win a belt in the coming months.

Whether Pavlik wins a belt there or not, Chavez would be wise to make sure to face him in the future. Pavlik is still a recognizable name and a heavy hitter that doesn't mind trading.

The fight would be a sure-fire hit on pay-per-view when Chavez decides to move up in weight.

Carl Froch

Carl Froch (29-2, 21 KO) is the new IBF super middleweight world champ after handing Lucian Bute (30-1, 24 KO) his first loss.

The tough Englishman is a beast of a fighter with good power and a great set of whiskers. This could be an instant fight of the year candidate.

Froch also is willing to travel, as he demonstrated during the Super Six tournament. That means Chavez could lure him into Texas for the full support of his Mexican fans during this tough contest.