Opening Bell: Khan-Judah Set for July 23

Good afternoon, fight fans. We hope your Memorial Day weekend was a good one. Special welcome to all of our new followers courtesy of the new Tumblr directory.

A spokeswoman for Main Events just confirmed Tuesday’s big news: Amir Khan and Zab Judah will meet in a unification bout at 140 lbs. on July 23rd in Vegas, possibly at Mandalay Bay. Given Zab’s New York roots and Khan’s box office appeal we would have loved to have seen this fight take place in Madison Square Garden, but outside Khan-Bradley this is probably the best fight possible at junior welterweight.

Judah reportedly agreed to a 55-45 split, which seems fair given Khan’s current rising star status. We think Khan’s speed and straight right will carry the day but make no mistake, Judah and his devastating left hand are a definite threat to test Khan’s still-suspect chin. If he can pull the upset Judah may find himself in line for a shot at one of the sport’s true moneymakers, Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather.

We’re actually somewhat sympathetic to Teddy Atlas’ continued complaints about Pacquiao’s hand-picked opponents. As great as the Pacman is he hasn’t really fought a real challenger in his prime since his rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez in 2008. Which is why it’s a pity that we have to give the upcoming third tilt between the two a resounding thumbs down.

Since the their last fight Pacquiao’s power has only increased while Marquez has shown signs of fading, despite remaining lightweight champion. But there is simply no way he can hope to last at the catchweight negotiated. There is no need for them to fight again; Marquez has proven he isn’t a welterweight and he could likely defend his belt a few more times.

Even if the two must fight again, at 135 lbs. it could be competitive. At 145 lbs. it’s likely the end of JMM’s storied career.

The fight world’s attention will turn East to AC on Saturday for the semifinals of Showtime’s Super Six super middleweight tournament between Carl Froch and Glenn Johnson, which has all the makings of a great scrap. We know Johnson will show up in shape and ready to fight all 12 rounds, but Froch has shown the tools and smarts to outbox almost any opponent at 168 lbs.

HBO’s show headlined by Sebastian Zbik vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. may feature more star power up and down the card but we know which fight we’ll be watching live come Saturday night.

ESPN’s Friday Night Fights features Yudel Johnson vs. Miguel Torres at welterweight and Telefutura will showcase bantamweights Leo Santa Cruz vs. Jose “Carita” Lopez.

We know you’ve been missing our Gym Diary series but stay tuned, because we’re going to be making up for the hiatus in a big way this week.