Preview: Amir Khan vs Zab Judah
It’s been almost a year since we had our soft launch of Stiff Jab and certain themes have become clear. While we strive for unbalanced coverage, our preferences undoubtedly lie with fighters that fight on the East Coast, take on all competition and relate well with the English-speaking fans. Action fighters and slick boxers alike are welcome but we have no forgiveness for those that don’t dare to be great.
It’s no surprise then that both WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan and IBF titlist Zab Judah have been favorites during what has been an excellent 12 months of boxing action. Tonight they square off on HBO is what promises to be one of the biggest fights of the year, a rare matchup of speed, power, and technical brilliance between an ascending superstar and a former undisputed welterweight champ looking to return to the spotlight.
We have had a fondness for Khan since his U.S. debut against Paulie Malignaggi since the dearth of coverage of the event eventually spawned this site. Our editor was in the crowd that night and realized soon after that he had to find a way to be a regular at ringside to help fill the gap. Since then Khan has conquered Argentine KO artist Marcos Maidana, won a lackluster technical decision over Paul McCloskey and seen his stock rise considerably thanks to his associations with Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao.
With Timothy Bradley essentially ducking the biggest possible fight at 140 lbs. Khan turned his attention to the resurgent Judah, whose newfound faith has helped him rediscover the wealth of talent he squandered during his hard-partying youth. Never lacking for speed or power, Judah was particularly impressive in dispatching Kaizer Mabuza in March to gain the IBF junior welterweight strap in. Our editor was ringside for that fight and declared afterward that Zab would give problems to any fighter at 140 lbs. Tonight we get to see if that is in fact the case.
Khan is perhaps the fastest fighter between lightweight and welter but he appears at times to lack the heavy hands needed to thrill boxing aficionados. His attack is one of repetition and precision, relying on many blows to do what one cannot. But he possesses an excellent jab and a straight right to match, which should be enough firepower to keep the southpaw at bay.
Zab has reinvented himself in the mold of his new trainer, former defensive specialist and Hall of Famer Pernell Whitaker. There is more than a little of Sweet Pea’s style in the way Judah ducked, bobbed and wove his way to victory against Mabuza, all the time letting the South African think he was in control of the fight. Should he similarly hoodwink Amir and find a clean path for his devastating left hand Judah can easily steal the win and a megafight payday against the winner of Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz.
Khan showed fortitude against Maidana but he has proven he can be hurt by a direct blow to the chin and Judah has more than enough power to ring his bell. We still like Khan to take the decision but no result would shock us tonight. More than anything we’re hoping for an action-packed fight since both men have so much to lose; another loss for Khan will permanent take the shine off his star and Judah will not get another chance to reach PPV glory.
Tonight at Mandalay Bay someone will walk away with two belts and prospects of pound-for-pound glory, while the other must face the cruel realities of the fight game. Such is boxing. We can’t wait.
Follow @StiffJab on Twitter for live updates.