TalkingBoxing Articles
Talking Boxing Staff Picks Mayweather/Judah
FRI April 7, STAFF -
Richard McManus: Mayweather by TKO
Mayweather/Judah: Mayweather wins by late round stoppage. Judah will make it tough on him because of his speed and power. But Floyd will begin to connect in the middle rounds. And come round 8, it will only be a matter of time before Judah gets taken out.
Buster Paris: Mayweather by TKO or UD
Mayweather/Judah: Before I get to my prediction – I want to mention that this fight has brought out the best and worst in some conversations of boxing. It’s brought to the forefront issues regarding belts, title and the alphabet soup of sanctioning bodies.This isn’t the first time we’ve looked at this, but the preparation for this fight truly pointed out one of the biggest problems with having a gazillion sanctioning bodies – and gave anyone who is sick and tired of all these belts a battle cry: “Who beat Kostya Tszyu”That was our Che Guevara with a tie – Brian Kenny’s line to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and I’m referring to the fact that Carlos “Tata” Baldomir beat “Super” Zab Judah – so how in the world is Mayweather vs. Judah a title fight?
Excellent question – and I hope that we as fans don’t stop asking it.
BUT
Baldomir didn’t pay the IBF sanctioning fee and therefore that belt wasn’t on the line.
Do I agree with that in principle – abso-f’ing-lutely not.
Do I agree with that as far as language and logic dictate – unfortunately…yes.
What happened is one of those ugly lawyer tricks – where what’s on paper supersedes the actual common sense and takes over from what is honestly “right”.
Let me give you an example- You and your wife (girlfriend, boyfriend – whatever) – you’re walking down the street and some dude comes up to you - and in between drooling and leering starts saying that she’s so freakin’ fine and how much would it cost for you to let him do some pretty vile things to her. He then starts rubbing himself…
So - let’s say you pop him one.Well – that’s illegal and is considered assault. Do I agree with that in principle – abso-f’ing-lutely not. But on paper it is against the law.
In boxing – it’s up to us to change all that – right now Ring Magazine is pretty much right on in their rankings – and there are other magazines as well that seem to have a good handle on things, but right now Ring Magazine is the one – is our George Washington as it were – or our Fidel Castro – but time will tell.
OK -- Sorry to ramble on that.
My personal view – this is not a title fight – AND - it’s a bummer that the politics and institution of boxing have overshadowed this fight – which is going to be an awesome fight! “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather will win. I’m on the fence if it will be via TKO or a unanimous decision. Either way – these two have so much to prove right now that it’s just going to be a great, great fight! I think Zab will peter out in the later rounds and Floyd will attack him like a violent storm.
Carl Rice: Mayweather by TKO
Mayweather/Judah: Unlike many others in boxing, I cannot downplay this fight. Floyd Mayweather is in what I like to call the "Roy Jones" position. No matter who Floyd fights, people are going to discredit him. When Ricky Hatton fights an overrated Carlos Maussa and now, rather than stepping up to fight Floyd, to fight some other "Champion" in Luis Collazo , no one is saying anything. But when Mayweather takes on one of the best, albeit very unfocused at times, in Zab Judah, everyone is up in arms. Now I know that expectations are always higher for the Pound for Pound guy, but people are making it seem like Floyd is fighting a bum off the street and that's hardly the case. Of course, there are reasons for this, but I digress...
This is a matchup of speed v speed. Both have power generated by their speed but many seem to believe that Judah is the stronger of the two. However, Floyd is undoubtedly one of the most focused fighters in the world. Judah has virtually disappeared from the scene, supposedly training harder than ever. But that focus needs to be taken into the ring, where it matters most. I don't think he can do it; he maintained it in the Spinks rematch but it was totally missing in the first fight Moreover, Mayweather is faster, stronger, and is a better boxer than Spinks and those attributes will cause Judah to lose focus. When he loses that focus and starts making stupid mistakes, that will get him hurt and stopped in the middle of the fight.
I like Judah, but he really needs to grow up if he wants to be seen as the best fighter in the world and he's just not there yet.
Cliff Rold: Mayweather by TKO
Mayweather/Judah: I have long been a critic of this fight's Pay-Per-View status, and I don't expect a great fight. Floyd in six and hopefully he doesn't make it eight fights in a row without facing the legitimate champion or top player in whatever division he is in by then.
Arce-Alvarez is a beast and the best fight of the night talent wise. I look for Alvarez to upset Arce in a fight fans fight, possibly by late stoppage.
Finally, Juan Diaz and Jose Cotto is as pcik 'em as you come. I look for a Diaz decision, but an upset should shock no one.
Jerry Casarez: Judah by UD
Mayweather/Judah: Easy pick in this fight is Mayweather...but there's more to it than the obvious. Judah possesses the same type of hand speed as Floyd so he too can strike at any moment with his vicious left hand but I believe that it is his foot speed and his ability to use his legs that will surprise most fans. Although Zab is responsible for the wrath of bad talk of what an inconsistent fighter he is due to his lackluster performance vs Carlos Baldomir. One must remember that when Zab is focused he is a man that not even the best Pound for Pound fighter can stop.Mayweather has a better defense but Judah has the advantage in punching power. Mayweather likes to tuck his chin behind his right shoulder but against a south paw this could leave openings for a right hook. Look for a chess match early with both fighters trying not to make a mistake but with Zab taking over after the 4th round by using his right jab and boxing from the outside. Zab Judah W12 UD with Floyd facing some shaky moments down the stretch.
Julius Stecker: Mayweather by TKO
Mayweather/Judah: Mayweather wins by late round stoppage. Judah will make it tough on him because of his speed and power. But Floyd will begin to connect in the middle rounds. And come round 8, it will only be a matter of time before Judah gets taken out.
Brian Skjold: Judah by TKO 11
Mayweather/Judah: Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Zab Judah could be more interesting then we think... I’m not going to get into who should really be fighting who here, but regardless the winner of this bout needs to step up and try to take over the division. That being said, I’m going out on a limb here. UPSET! Judah comes from behind on the cards to stop an over confidant Mayweather in the late rounds. Judah TKO 11.
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