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Judah wants Tszyu rematch
theaustralian.news.com.au
From correspondents in Los Angeles
December 15, 2005
AMERICA's undisputed welterweight boxing champion Zab Judah has issued Kostya Tszyu an insult-laden invitation for a re-match of their controversial 2001 world-title bout.
"Kostya Tszyu you have an invitation," New York-based Judah told reporters at a media conference today.
"You have a fight contract with my name on it. Let's do it."
Judah is as well known for his trash-talking of opponents as he is for his skills and speed in the ring and he did not hold back on Tszyu during the interview, describing the Australian as a "dead" fighter.
Tszyu knocked Judah out late in the second round of their November, 2001, bout at Las Vegas' MGM Casino, but the American today described Tszyu's victory as a "fluke".
The devastating knockout win crowned Tszyu as the undisputed junior welterweight champion, a title he kept until losing to Britain's Ricky Hatton six months ago.
Judah, 28, moved up a weight class to the welterweight division after the Tszyu loss and now holds the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titles.
"You see how Ricky Hatton beat the life out of him?" Judah asked.
"He's dead right now.
"Let me finish him off and show the world that I am the best pound for pound fighter."
The 2001 Judah-Tszyu bout was also memorable for the tantrum Judah threw in the ring when referee Jay Nady halted the fight after Judah hit the canvas.
Judah was fined $US75,000 and banned from boxing for six months for thrusting his glove in Nady's throat and tossing a chair in the ring.
Judah was upset because he thought he dominated the first round and Nady ended the fight too early.
Asked if he would demolish Tszyu quicker than Hatton's 11th round beating of Tszyu, Judah fired back: "I promise you".
"I had him in the first round," Judah said.
"He was holding on for life. Listen, my speed and power is nothing to play with.
"A lot of guys look at it and take it as a joke, but you see time and time again they are hitting the floor like dust."
Judah's next fight is on January 7 in New York against the WBC's No.1 welterweight contender, Carlos Baldomir of Argentina.
Tszyu, 36, is contemplating retirement, but recently said he might be interested in a re-match with Judah.
From correspondents in Los Angeles
December 15, 2005
AMERICA's undisputed welterweight boxing champion Zab Judah has issued Kostya Tszyu an insult-laden invitation for a re-match of their controversial 2001 world-title bout.
"Kostya Tszyu you have an invitation," New York-based Judah told reporters at a media conference today.
"You have a fight contract with my name on it. Let's do it."
Judah is as well known for his trash-talking of opponents as he is for his skills and speed in the ring and he did not hold back on Tszyu during the interview, describing the Australian as a "dead" fighter.
Tszyu knocked Judah out late in the second round of their November, 2001, bout at Las Vegas' MGM Casino, but the American today described Tszyu's victory as a "fluke".
The devastating knockout win crowned Tszyu as the undisputed junior welterweight champion, a title he kept until losing to Britain's Ricky Hatton six months ago.
Judah, 28, moved up a weight class to the welterweight division after the Tszyu loss and now holds the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titles.
"You see how Ricky Hatton beat the life out of him?" Judah asked.
"He's dead right now.
"Let me finish him off and show the world that I am the best pound for pound fighter."
The 2001 Judah-Tszyu bout was also memorable for the tantrum Judah threw in the ring when referee Jay Nady halted the fight after Judah hit the canvas.
Judah was fined $US75,000 and banned from boxing for six months for thrusting his glove in Nady's throat and tossing a chair in the ring.
Judah was upset because he thought he dominated the first round and Nady ended the fight too early.
Asked if he would demolish Tszyu quicker than Hatton's 11th round beating of Tszyu, Judah fired back: "I promise you".
"I had him in the first round," Judah said.
"He was holding on for life. Listen, my speed and power is nothing to play with.
"A lot of guys look at it and take it as a joke, but you see time and time again they are hitting the floor like dust."
Judah's next fight is on January 7 in New York against the WBC's No.1 welterweight contender, Carlos Baldomir of Argentina.
Tszyu, 36, is contemplating retirement, but recently said he might be interested in a re-match with Judah.
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