The wasted potential of : Zab Judah

[Fox McCloud]

I can understand the resentment for the lack of dedication, and I'm almost certain that a big part of why people hate Judah. And you're spot on about his style, I still find myself wondering exactly what he is. I guess he'll always be one of those guys who did everything good, but nothing great.

Do you think there's any chance of another comeback? Or do you think he's played that card one too many times?

I don't think he will end up coming back. I used to think that he was getting his mind right... which might be true, but not right enough to get himself back in the weight division he belongs in, which is 140.

I also just think that he is outgunned by the big shots at 147.

[ßringer]

I don't think he will end up coming back. I used to think that he was getting his mind right... which might be true, but not right enough to get himself back in the weight division he belongs in, which is 140.

I also just think that he is outgunned by the big shots at 147.

I think that's his main problem. He's a very small guy fighting in a division filled to the brim with big guys and power punchers. 140lbs is a much better fit or Judah, if I were him I'd move down and try to establish himself there instead.

[BigmoneyMikes]

Zab got as far as he could have. his a 2 weight champ, 1 weight being a lineal champ. Being a NYC fighter, there was alot more expectation placed on him but his shaky chin would have always hindered him. i think he got asfar as he could.

[SkillspayBills]

****ing great post man I will add to my fav's. The assesment that Judah was like Pernell with power were true, dedication outside the ring lead to his downfall inside of it.

[Azteca]

I didn't read any of it except little bits and pieces of it.

What I have to say on the topic:
We saw early that Judah was going to be a waste. He was dropped a couple times by journeyman. German, Millet....list goes on. These guys werent big punchers in the least either.

Amazing offensive fighter. He had one of the best southpaw skillsets i have seen in a while....most of the time southpaws are looking for one shot (the left cross) and are just jabbers but he had everything. the right hook, the uppercut.

But his defense was always lacking. He was one of those guys who liked to be flashy. Instead of keeping his hands up he liked to look good dodging punches. Which meant he took more shots then he really needed to.

And he is and was a very mentally weak fighter. I thought Cotto was going to dust him after 6 because of Judah's heart...or lack thereof. But that was really the only time I have seen Judah show a hell of a lot of heart...not just pride.

[Amir K Shareef]

it wasnt waisted potential...zab is a great fighter

[Wiley Hyena]

I'm known for being the special kind of prick who takes time to reply to ****. And if I'm actually writing about something I care about, forget it.

Nice read. IMO the problem is that Judah's balls were TOO big. At 23, as undefeated JRWW champ, he should have fought anybody else but Kostya Tszyu. Way too dangerous. But his big balls took him where some "superstars" simply would not go. It was downhill from there.

[MJ406]

Lack of focus an EARLY career problem for Judah

I dunno if this came up already .. but for what its worth if you read into it .. it makes a whole lotta sense

this was before the Baldomir fight, before the loss to Spinks and even before that devastating 2nd round loss to Kostya

MSG network was doing a playback of the Golden Gloves tourney .. highlighting you guessed it, Zab Judah

I can't recall the year, but I know it was the finals, and Judah was 18 years old.

anyway, Zab did very well in this fight ... and got a knock down in the first round

but took it easier .. and was taking it so easy that by the final round .. Zab was stopping to literally look up at the clock, with oh a good minute and 1/2 left in the round

granted Judah didn't get caught with any serious power punches .. and still managed to pull out the W .. winning his 2nd Golden Gloves in a row

but at 18 years old he showed and incredible lack of focus in a fight .. so when it happens vs Baldomir or vs Spinks, don't bring it up as a recent thing

because Judah's been lacking focus since his golden gloves days

I know it doesn't happen all the time, but still after seeing the GG fight .. i mean wow.

[-Antonio-]

I think Judah was as good as he ever was going to be. KayJay seems to be the only other guy who feels the same way.

[revs1227]

nice read yo wow........feel bad 4 him now what wasted talent cotto ruined him with thows low blows