By Jake Donovan

Russia's Dmitry Chudinov travels to hostile territory to put his unbeaten record and interim middleweight title on the line versus Chris Eubank Jr. 

The bout serves in chief support to the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Christian Hammer, all of which takes place at O2 Arena in London, England.

Chudinov (14-0-2, 9KOs) has previously fought twice in England, fighting to an eight-round draw versus Patrick Mendy in July '13, and picking up an eight-round win just two months later. Saturday's contest marks the third defense of his secondary alphabet belt he claimed in Dec. '13.

Eubank Jr. (18-1, 13KOs) - the son of the former two-division champion of the same name - is granted the title shot despite coming off of a loss, having dropped a 12-round split decision to countryman and bitter rival Billy Joe Saunders in their middleweight clash last November. The bout - which served as the chief support to Fury's aforementioned rematch win over Chisora - served as a final eliminator for the WBO version of the middleweight strap.

Despite the loss, Eubank Jr. manages to land a shot at a different belt in this wonderful era of multiple titles per weight class - and in the case of the WBA, per sanctioning body.

Can Chudinov come up big on the road and show that it’s once again too much too soon for the second generation boxer? Or will Eubank Jr. follow in his father’s footsteps (to a degree) and show his resilience in overcoming adversity to win a major title – something his more famous father was unable to accomplish?

Read on to see how the staff at BoxingScene.com believes the middleweight bout plays out.

BOXINGSCENE.COM STAFF PREDICTIONS: DMITRY CHUDINOV vs. CHRIS EUBANK JR.

Ryan Burton (Eubank Jr. UD): I think the second generation star simply is the better fighter and is fighting on his home turf and he will win an unknowns decision over a somewhat dangerous opponent.

Jake Donovan (Chudinov UD): Might sound like crazy talk to suggest Chudinov wins a decision on the road, but his promoters threatening to pull his fighter over the broken promise of neutral officials will keep the judges honest and score the bout fairly.

John MacDonald (Eubank SD): Chudinov will be busier, Eubank Jr will produce the more eye catching work; which should be enough to see him get the decision in the fight of the weekend.

Takahiro Onaga (Eubank Jr. mid rds TKO): Eubank wins with controversy in the middle rounds

 

Cliff Rold (Chudinov KO): Eubank has good bloodlines and is still developing.  Chudinov's amateur background is all the difference here.

Reynaldo Sanchez (Chudinov KO8): Chudinov by TKO in less than 8th.

Alexey Sukachev (Eubank Jr. SD 12): Eubank Jr. looks to be a solid fringe contender with sturdy chin and some skills. Chudinov is basically a better fighter... but he is fighting in hostile environment. He will get some respect, and he can even win on the fans' scorecards, but he will be deluded of the win by the judges.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox