In a recent podcast appearance, Zab Judah shared his thoughts on the infamous 2006 fight against Floyd Mayweather, a bout that still stirs controversy and debate. Judah's perspective offers a unique insight into the world of professional boxing and the politics that can influence its outcomes.
The Fight and Its Aftermath
Judah believes he was robbed of a victory or, at the very least, a draw. He argues that the first five rounds were in his favor, and with the knockdown, it should have been six rounds to his advantage. In a 12-round fight, that would have resulted in a draw. However, the fight took a turn for the worse, and Judah feels that several factors should have led to a disqualification.
"If two men are fighting and someone jumps in, it's an automatic DQ." - Zab Judah
Judah points out that Mayweather's uncle entered the ring during the fight, which should have resulted in a disqualification. He believes this incident, along with other factors, changed the trajectory of Mayweather's career, potentially altering his perfect 50-0 record.
The Residency Advantage
An interesting observation Judah makes is about Mayweather's 'residency' in Las Vegas. He suggests that Mayweather had an unspoken agreement with the Nevada boxing authorities, ensuring he would not lose in their jurisdiction. This residency, with its implied guarantee of victory, allowed Mayweather to build an impressive record and establish himself as an undefeated champion.
The Brawl and Its Consequences
The 10th round saw Judah land a low blow and a shot behind Mayweather's head, which ignited a brawl involving Roger Mayweather. Judah insists these actions were not intentional, attributing them to fatigue and the heat of the moment. Despite this, he was suspended after the fight, with the blame placed on him for initiating the brawl.
This suspension, Judah believes, was a strategic move by Mayweather's team and promoter Bob Arum. It kept Judah out of the ring for a year, allowing Mayweather to climb the ranks and avoid a potential rematch. Judah feels that Mayweather had no intention of facing him again, knowing the trouble Judah could cause.
A Missed Opportunity
Ultimately, Judah's perspective highlights the politics and strategies that can shape boxing matches and careers. The fight's outcome and its aftermath left a sour taste for Judah, who believes he was hard done by. It's a reminder that boxing is not just about the skills in the ring but also the intricate dance of promotions, residencies, and strategic maneuvers outside the ropes.
In my opinion, Judah's story sheds light on the often unseen aspects of professional boxing, where the outcome of a fight can be influenced by more than just the boxers' skills.
