Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo in full swing

ROSENBERG, TX (KTRK) -- There's Ali vs. Frazier, the longtime rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, and in the world of calf roping there's Whitfield vs. Ohl. It's the Super Bowl Wedensday night in Fort Bend County.

Eight-time world champion Fred Whitfield says, "Tonight it's about strategy." Six time world champion Cody Ohl says, "When it comes to match roping we've been in so many it's like clock work and a lot of it is mental."

The two will face each other in a contest that is expected to draw a huge crowd.

"Match roping head to head, bragging rights, winner take all. It's going to be an awesome event," says President of the Fort Bend County Fair Vickie Todd Autrey.

They've capture national attention through the years but this is a rivalry that was born right here on Texas soil. The two were raised within about forty miles of each other. Whitfield grew up near Cypress and Ohl from Orchard in Fort Bend County.

Ohl says it's good to be home.

"I cut my teeth on these fences here and this arena and ground. It's always special," he said.

Whitfield goes into the competition with twenty National Finals Rodeo appearances under his belt.

"I had a friend of mine tell me a long time ago don't have nothing to do with that guy all you're doing is preparing him to win your world championships," he said.

Ohl has qualified for his twentieth National Finals Rodeo coming off an injury and will travel to Las Vegas in December.

The two say the sport is one of skill and mental toughness but Ohl adds, "Anything can go wrong at any time."

The pressure will be on in front of a home town crowd.

Whitfield says, "If he ties one fast I won't get caught up in the moment. There's going to be a lot of people here tonight."

Gates open at the Fort Bend County Fair at 5 p.m. with the arena event starting at 7. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 kids 6 - 11, children 5 and under free along with military members. For more information go to www.fortbendcountyfair.com