Amir Khan takes on Zab Judah

By Boxing News - 06/11/2011 - Comments

Image: Amir Khan takes on Zab JudahBy John F. McKenna (McJack): WBA Light Welterweight Champion Amir Khan (25-1, 23 KO’s) will be squaring off with IBF Light Welterweight Champion Zab Judah (41-6, 17 KO’s) on July 23 in a title unification bout. This is the bout Khan wanted after his proposed fight with Timothy Bradley fell through. In all reality this fight will be a much better fight for boxing fans to watch.

Although Bradley won his fight with Devon Aleaxander, his performance and his penchant for coming in head first and using his head as a weapon does not endear him to boxing fans. In addition managers are reluctant to match their fighters against him for fear of a fight ending cut from his frequent head butts.

Even though Zab Judah is a two time Light Welterweight Title holder and a former unified Welterweight Title holder, he has not lived up to the promise of a fighter with his unquestioned ability. At one time it was thought that Zab “Super” Judah would be a dominating force in boxing, much as Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather have become. He lacked the self discipline however, to achieve the goals that had been set for him. Judah has terrific speed, power and reflexes. He also has that “Bad Boy” image which appeals to so many boxing fans. Zab Judah was helped up the fistic ladder by his relationship with Mike Tyson and he became a featured fighter on Showtime. His first big fight was with fellow champion Kostya Tszyu in 2001. This was a fight where Judah’s lack of maturity cost him big time. He did well in the first round, but late in the 2nd round Tszyu scored a knockdown. Judah immediately got up, but collapsed again, whereupon the referee stopped the fight. When Judah arose he was furious at the referee for stopping the fight and began choking him and then threw a stool at him. It was not the kind of showing you would want to make in your first big fight.

Judah has had his ups and downs since that first big fight, at times looking impressive and at other times disappointing. He put together five straight victories including his impressive win over Lucas Martin Matthysse. He fights well at 140 lbs and is confident of victory when he faces Khan.

Amir Khan at 24 years old is approaching his prime and showed his toughness when he not only survived against Marcos Maidana, but defeated him.

The Amir Khan – Zab Judah fight, along with David Haye – Vladimir Klitschko, Tomasz Adamek – Vitali Klitschko and Manny Pacquiao – Juan Marquez fights should make 2011 a very interesting year, the most exciting that boxing fans have had in quite some time.



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