It feels like Zab Judah has been around forever ... yet he's still just 32 years old! That's what happens when you turn pro at 18, score a lopsided decision over Micky Ward at 20 and win your first title belt at 21.
Judah's greatest success came early in his career at junior welterweight (30-1), with only one loss to Kostya Tsztyu in 2001. Since moving to welterweight, Judah is just 8-5 and has consistently come up short when facing top level competition: Cory Spinks (first meeting), Carlos Baldomir, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey.
Judah has always possessed the physical skills and toughness to be an elite fighter ... but poor preparation, overconfidence and a lack of poise in the ring have derailed what once seemed destined to be a Hall of Fame career.
So, can a move back to junior welterweight, salvage what's left of Judah's career? If Friday night's bout with Jose Armando Santa Cruz is any indication, then the answer appears to be yes. Judah looked sharper - both mentally and physically - than he has in years, stopping the tough but easy-to-hit Santa Cruz via third-round TKO. Santa Cruz got up after being dropped by a perfect left uppercut but referee Benjy Estevez stopped the fight shortly thereafter.
Judah could be a factor at 140 ... if any of the division's elite - Timothy Bradley, Amir Khan, Devon Alexander and Marcos Maidana - are up for the challenge.
Comments
But what a funny KO at the hands of Kostya Tsztyu it was…
Judah impressed me. Santa Cruz gave Casamayor fits when then met and should have got the decision. It was a great shot what Judah tagged him with. If he hit Khan with that it would be game over.
He wont get a shot at one of the big boys straight away and will have to fight his way to contention.
I ahve always been a fan of Zab Judah, and he has had tough going in recents fights. He looked good but good against a less than qualified opponent is more an ego boost than it is a real test. Now, the question will be, who next. Jusah should have one more relatively easy foght I think, before getting in again with really competitive opponents. Whether he has the time at his age to get back into contention will depend on his next two or three fights.