By Jake Donovan

Timothy Bradley Jr. (32-1-1, 12 KOs), from Palm Springs, Cal., takes on hard-hitting Brandon Rios (33-2-1, 23 KOs) of Oxnard, Cal., in a scheduled 12-round welterweight championship contest.

Bradley weighed in at 146-pounds, and Rios - who looked a little drained - stripped down completely and came in at 147.2-pounds, but dropped the weight shortly after releasing his pre-fight lunch. 

One of the sport’s most accomplished pros, Bradley, 32, has earned acclaim for his willingness to take on any challenge. His sterling record includes two Manny Pacquiao fights and notable wars with Juan Manuel Marquez and Ruslan Provodnikov. Bradley began his 2015 season with a victory over Jessie Vargas in June, when he claimed a 147-pound title belt. He returns to Las Vegas with veteran Teddy Atlas as his new trainer.

Brandon Rios, 29, trains with Robert Garcia in the boxing hotbed of Oxnard, Cal., and looks to secure a second world title in as many weight divisions. He became one of the top attractions in the 140-pound weight class by brawling and slugging his way to signature wins, including two over archrival Mike Alvarado. The contrasting styles of Bradley and Rios have experts and fans anticipating an all-action affair.

BOXINGSCENE.COM STAFF PREDICTIONS: TIMOTHY BRADLEY vs. BRANDON RIOS

Shaun Brown (Bradley UD): Whilst many, including myself, are thoroughly looking forward to this weekend's Bradley-Rios match-up I can't help but think we might not see the explosive showdown that we hope. As this is Bradley's first outing with new trainer Teddy Atlas I foresee the thinking version of Timothy Bradley that will look to put something of a clinic on Rios. To engage in a 12-round war with Rios would be a fantastic spectacle but Bradley and his team need to think of the long game and future big-money fights. A boxing match between Bradley and Rios is won by the former. A straight out war is one by the latter, in my opinion. I know Rios isn't a one-trick pony and proved that in his dissection of Mike Alvarado last time out. But what was left to dissect? A fight that will have its moments but only when Bradley knows he has the space to get out of dodge and can control the exchanges.

Ryan Burton (Bradley SD): I think the flight will be a war at time with both fighters showing tremendous heart. I think Bradley gets the split decision nod in a close fight. 

Stephen "Breadman" Edwards (Rios late TKO): He catches Bradley in between wide shots after forcing him to over move all night.

Michael Gibbons (Bradley TKO11): An accurate volume puncher that usually gets off first against a guy that doesn't defend himself. This has the makings of a big night for Bradley.

Peter Lim (Rios SD): This showdown unfolds as almost an exact duplicate of Bradley-Provodnikov but the decision will go the other way. Like Provodnikov, Rios is troubled by Bradley's movement, speed and frenetic volume punching. But Rios is a tad more polished, adjusts better and has sharper timing than the Russian, allowing him to catch Bradley between punches as he flurries. Rios drops Bradley late in the fight to eke out a razor-close split decision victory in a thrilling Fight of the Year candidate.

Takahiro Onaga (Bradley UD): This fight will be an amazing fight with some great exchanges. However, Bradley's superior ability and speed will be more than enough to win him the bout, despite some very tough moments as Rios manages to bring out the warrior in Bradley. I expect this to be a very fun bout!

Cliff Rold (Bradley Dec.): The corner will be part of the story but shouldn't be. If he boxes smart, this fight should be a challenging but clear win for Bradley no matter who seconds him. Rios has slow feet and Bradley can exploit that unless he gets sucked into a war.

Victor Salazar (Bradley Dec.): It could be a war or it could be a stinker. If it's a war Rios has a chance but it still might be enough. I think Bradley is out to prove he can listen to his new trainer Teddy Atlas after departing from long-time trainer Joel Diaz. Atlas wants Bradley to box smart and I think he will, winning a wide decision. 

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox