By Jake Donovan

If there’s a single majority opinion among the featherweight title fight between Jhonny Gonzalez and Daniel Ponce de Leon, it’s that the bout between free-swinging, questionable-chinned warriors won’t see the full twelve rounds.

What’s left to decide is, who will be the last man standing.

The bout marks the fifth defense of the featherweight reign Gonzalez (52-7, 45KO) won from Hozumi Hasegawa on the road in Japan last April. Ponce de Leon fights in his first title bout since being stretched inside of a round by Juan Manuel Lopez more than three years ago.

Who will win, and will either fighter dare leave it in the hands of three judges?

Read on to find out.

PREDICTIONS

In the cards most compelling and evenly matched fight, I expect Gonzalez to survive a few shaky early moments and acore a late round knockout. Ponce De Leon will have his moments and Gonzalez' shaky chin and track record against southpaws make PDL a live dog but my gut says Gonzalez TKO round 10

– Ryan Burton (Gonzalez)

Consensus seems to be that this is the fight where the $100,000 KO bonus will be delivered. Who receives it has ultimately been the debate. Gonzalez never loses on his birthday and is far more improved in recent years. Not sure PDL has shown the same evolution. Both fighters hit the deck early, but Gonzalez finishes what he started and scores the stoppage – and bonus – midway through.

– Jake Donovan (Gonzalez)

An intriguing battle of reinvented 30-somethings who’ve returned from thudding losses. Seems like incumbent is a better fit at 126 with a better class of wins there.  Gonzalez W 12

– Lyle Fitzsimmons (Gonzalez)

Ponce de Leon- TKO8 the last can't miss fight (Molina vs DeMarco) missed by MILES so I am a little apprehensive in saying this is yet another can't miss fight.  Both guys love slinging the leather, both have a penchant for getting hit, and both know this is their time to shine.  I picked Ponce based on the facts that he has been in tougher more recently and has the sturdier chin of the two.  He will survive a scare or two and stop Gonzalez in a fight that has the crowd amped

– Ernest Gabion (Ponce de Leon)

De Leon TKO7. I have a strong feeling the winner of this fight could be taking home that $100,000 bonus.  This is coming down to who has the strongest chin and I believe that is De Leon.  This should be all action with both men tasting canvas but I believe Gonzalez will meet his ultimate demise in round seven.

- Tim Kudgis (Ponce de Leon)

DeLeon has a little better chin, but I think Gonzalez has had sturdier legs at 126.  It is perhaps the weight he always should have been at, or at least the one he should have been at sooner.  Factor in a height advantage and sharper technique for Gonzalez and I like the WBC chap to keep his strap and his

– Cliff Rold (Gonzalez)

Fun fight that should steal the show. While Ponce definitely packs a punch, he's still the same fighter that comes forward and looks to engage. I expect to see Gonzalez exchange with Ponce but also mix in some boxing to throw off his opponent. In a thrilling affair where both fighters are hurt or dropped, Gonzalez's chin betrays him as Ponce stops him while being down on the cards. Ponce TKO10.

- Luis Sandoval (Ponce de Leon)

In the cards most compelling and evenly matched fight, I expect Gonzalez to survive a few shaky early moments and acore a late round knockout. Ponce De Leon will have his moments and Gonzalez' shaky chin and track record against southpaws make PDL a live dog but my gut says Gonzalez TKO round 10

- Frank Stea (Gonzalez)

This will steal the entire show. On paper, Gonzalez is a favorite - thanks to his activity, a frightful streak of one-liners and a win over very capable Elio Rojas in his latest fight. However, Gonzalez is a hard-hitting slugger but a slugger, not a puncher. A fragile slugger with a questionable chin. On the other hand, De Leon, who has considerably improved his still-awkward technique over the years, is a puncher with a good chin. That's the decisive difference. In a crowd-pleasing war (and FOTY candidate) De Leon will knock Jhonny out

– Alexey Sukachev (Ponce de Leon)

Total: Jhonny Gonzalez 5, Daniel Ponce de Leon 4

The Gonzalez-Ponce de Leon featherweight title fight serves as the televised co-feature of a quadrupleheader airing live on Showtime from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas (Saturday, 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT).

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to JakeNDaBox@gmail.com