Judah's "No Mas"

This fight left me quite incredulous for obvious reasons. Regardless of what caused the cut, and despite Judah's uncharacteristicly solid performance going into the later rounds, Judah quite clearly quit (yes, it does not have to be perfectly explicit for one to say this). Before Judah even got near the doctor he was insisting that he could not see, and was doing so throughout the examination. Even the look on the doctor's face was somewhat disgusted (and he confirmed afterward that he allowed Judah the option to continue). I believe he may also have faked the finger test in order to get the fight stopped as the doctor was ruling for it to continue prior to that point (I got this feeling watching it, but I won't staunchly make the accusation). There are two possible related reasons for this. First (and less likely in my opinion) Judah erroneously thought the fight might be ruled a no contest. Given his experience I highly doubt this. Second, and much more likely, is he was banking on stealing the fight with his fairly solid performance up to that point, wanting to take his chances on the scorecards before giving up the remainder of the rounds, which it appeared almost certain he was going to do. Anyone watching could see Clottey was clearly heading towards a strong finish and a UD. This in my opinion was far worse than something like Duran's "No Mas" where he quit out of disdain. Judah was looking for a way out and a cheap technical win. Instead of getting a Judah who fades late, we were left with this much more unpalatable substitute. I believe that criticism is certainly warranted in this case, and we were robbed of the finish to what I felt was a very good fight up to the point of the stoppage. I've read quite a bit of backlash to those who were criticizing Judah for the ending to this fight in harsher (more insulting) terms, but this is how I saw it. Perhaps others agree.

Comments (9)

Silencers

I honestly perceived it as simply a different form of the "street move" he pulled on Mayweather with the intentional fouls, only better calculated (as it actually served a purpose here). Nevertheless, I believe the frustration was the same. In this fight it should perhaps not be said that Judah did not fade, but rather did not have the opportunity to fade. We will never be able to say how he might have continued though. I agree, he was getting frustrated with not being able to get through Clottey's defense and his punches weren't doing any visible damage. Only Judah knows why he did what he did though.

17y ago

Miburo

The second option is much more likely because I'm sure they went over the rules in the dressing room so he knew exactly what would happen when a headbutt causes a cut. I also think the doctor tested him a couple of times by holding up his fingers, I think it was only on the last attempt did Judah answered with the wrong number. It's a bit hard to say he quit though because he did show a lot of heart in the Cotto fight. I honestly perceived it as simply a different form of the "street move" he pulled on Mayweather with the intentional fouls, only better calculated (as it actually served a purpose here). Nevertheless, I believe the frustration was the same. In this fight it should perhaps not be said that Judah did not fade, but rather did not have the opportunity to fade. We will never be able to say how he might have continued though.

17y ago

Silencers

17y ago

Miburo

I'm just bringing up the case of two fighters who are guilty of what fans may call "quitting". What I'm saying is that Judah shouldn't be held to the same standard as Roberto Duran (in this case) or Miguel Cotto. He's not a great fighter. Perhaps he should be, considering the absurd heights to which he is raised by some. Let me add that I was quite neutral in my opinion of him prior to this fight (despite his reputation). However, I was only seeking to analyze this contest, in isolation. I would agree that Judah is not on their level, but I disagree that it must be taken into consideration.

17y ago

Miburo

I've already gotten my first red K from the reactionary fool Dirt E Gomez (who admits to not even reading the thread, but clairvoyantly knowing it's fail) for writing out my clear impression of the events. Such insane reactions alone are enough to keep it afloat.

17y ago

jack_the_rippuh

Who gives a fuck about things irrelevant to this thread? :ugh: Cotto was seriously hurt and would not have lasted out the round. I'm not sure why it was made into such a major issue. Judah was not overtly hurt on nearly the same level (although I'm sure he was feeling the punishment). There is no point for comparison, nor for bringing it up here regardless of sentiment. I'm just bringing up the case of two fighters who are guilty of what fans may call "quitting". What I'm saying is that Judah shouldn't be held to the same standard as Roberto Duran (in this case) or Miguel Cotto. He's not a great fighter.

17y ago

MindBat

Judah ain't got the goods any more. He's done. He'll be fighting for the paydays from now on. :boxing:

17y ago

Miburo

Who gives a fuck? Everybody knew Judah lacked heart. If he did indeed quit, it's no big deal. He wasn't shit anyway. Cotto, on the other hand, was made out to be something great. Don't get me wrong, Margarito performed great last week, but Cotto going down without even being hit and then winking at his corner when they threw in the towel was disgusting. In fact, he was so disgusted and embarrassed with himself, he refused to do a post-fight interview. Who gives a fuck about things irrelevant to this thread? :ugh: Cotto was seriously hurt and would not have lasted out the round. I'm not sure why it was made into such a major issue. Judah was not overtly hurt on nearly the same level (although I'm sure he was feeling the punishment). There is no point for comparison, nor for bringing it up here regardless of sentiment.

17y ago

jack_the_rippuh

17y ago