Sergio Martinez vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr: Keys to Martinez Victory

It's time to put up or shut up.

Sergio Martinez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will finally lock horns this Saturday night on HBO PPV, and it's destined to be a classic.

Here are three keys to victory for Martinez:

Don't fall for the trap

Trash talking and somebody who is overconfident can result in the opponent wanting to bash his brains out even more.

Martinez can't fall for that trap; he can't put himself in a negative situation by getting away from his game. He needs to come prepared, confident and focused. 

Martinez's style is aggressive, but he can't be over-the-top aggressive. He can't go the extra mile to make sure he knocks out Chavez Jr. If the match is looking like it will go the distance, Martinez must stick to his style and win it via decision. 

Chavez Jr. will be coming into this fight thinking he can bite off more than he can chew. He can talk all he wants, but if his words don't creep into the mind of Martinez, which I don't think they will, Chavez Jr. will be in for a long night.

Use strengths to advantages

Martinez is a southpaw who loves to be the aggressor. Occasionally it can get him into trouble, but his style makes him the force he is.

Game planning, research, preparation and training go into fighting a southpaw. It's a unique style that is hard to prepare for. 

Martinez should go for it early, without putting himself in poor positions, of course. He can't allow the young and cocky Chavez Jr. to gain confidence early. 

Keep with the game plan

I'm expecting this fight to go the distance, therefore it's paramount Martinez sticks to his game plan. He is 11 years older, smaller and arguably weaker than Chavez Jr. and if he allows himself to fight the match Chavez Jr. wants, he may be in trouble.

But if he sticks to his style and to his game plan in every round, the rest should be history.

Prediction

Sergio Martinez wins via decision.