Zab Judah back in the reckoning in the light welterweight division
By Ronald C Charles : Both fighters entered the ring with similar career paths, both having impressive wins but falling when stepping up in opposition, albeit Judah took the bigger step up in class. While competing with the elite Judah failed against Tszyu, Spinks, Baldomir, Mayweather, Cotto and Clottey. Santa Cruz was defeated by Diaz, Cassamayor and Pitalua.
It’s was without question Judah had feasted at the top table in boxing and tonight’s bout would gage if the Brooklyn native had anything left to be considered a serious threat to any of the top light welterweights or welterweights.
Judah (39-6, 27 KOs) weighed 141 pounds at the weigh in. Santa Cruz (28-5, 17 KOs), a 29-year-old from Mexico, was 143 pounds. The bout at the Prudential Centre, Newark, New Jersey, United States was aired on ESPN.
From the opening bell, Judah looked in control with much the superior speed and movement he looked a class above this sluggish opponent, evident in him entering the ring the betting favourite. In the third round, Judah dropped Santa Cruz with his trademark left uppercut, unsteady on his feet and looking dazed referee Benjy Esteves Jr showed mercy as he stopped the bout.
At 32, Zab Judah once again enters the reckoning in the light welterweight division, having shared the ring with many top fighters the former two time light welterweight and three time welterweight champion Judah would represent an interesting proposition for any of the top or up and coming light welterweights or welterweights.
WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto, England’s Kell Brook or 19-year-old Mexican Saul Alvarez seem plausible opponents as they continue their rise through the welterweight ranks.
Judah could also stay at the light welterweight where he could mix it up in one of the hottest division in the sport today, with names such as Amir Khan, Timothy Bradley, Marcos Maidana, Devon Alexander, and Victor Ortiz.
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