(Zab Judah, on right, stalking a reluctant-looking Junior Witter in June 24, 2000) 16.09.07 – By Rahul Deb: Earlier this month, in the most important fight of his career, Junior Witter dominated and knocked out the game and talented Vivian Harris. This fight between the number 1 and 2 Ring magazine jr. welterweights, was easily the most important fight at 140 lbs not featuring Ricky Hatton. This commanding performance by the WBC light welterweight boxing champion was unpublicized in the US and ignored by big networks.
Which leads me to the following question. Where does Junior go from here? There was some speculation about a rematch with Harris which frankly seems pointless to this author. Junior has nothing more to prove by beating Harris again and Vivian remains a tricky opponent- a slight but unnecessary risk for ’The Hitter’.
A look down the Ring magazine rankings at 140 is hardly more promising – Pauli Malignaggi, Gavin Rees, Souleymane M’Baye, Jose Luis Castillo, Lovemore Ndou, Juan Lazcano, Demetrius Hopkins and Ricardo Torres.
None of these fights is a big payday for Junior and will do little to add to his resume. His best bet is a unification fight with WBO champion Ricardo Torres who’s only claim to fame is dropping Miguel Cotto before getting knocked out. Torres looked less than spectacular in his controversial fight with Kendall Holt although his dangerous knockout power was apparent. Witter vs. Torres will not be a big money fight until both fighters prove themselves in the US.
Where does Zab Judah fit in? Zab handed Witter his only professional loss, when they fought in Glasgow (for the IBF 140lb belt) way back in 2000. This fight was largely jeered by fans as Witter was content to stay outside of Zab’s power and let the champion dictate the fight. Judah quipped after the victory “If I knew this was a track meet, I would have brought my track shoes.”
In spite of Zab’s recent losses, he still possesses the ability to draw crowds. His exciting loss against Cotto was one his best performances in the last few years. Witter vs. Judah could serve as ‘the hitter’s’ introduction this side of the Atlantic ocean. Zab would be more than eager to get another title shot and given Zab’s excessively large mouth and his victory in their first fight, it might make for some interesting pre fight build up. Lastly, the fight itself should make for good viewing given how the fighters have evolved and what is at stake for Zab.
The only remaining question is- can Junior win the rematch? He took the first fight on two weeks notice as a late replacement Jason Roland. His record at the time was 15-0-2 with 4 kos. Zab was young and undefeated and in the prime of his career. Since then Witter has been fighting consistently at 140 (he fought as high 152 before the Judah fight) and has amassed a record of 21-0 with 17 kos. Zab has aged considerably and in the process has lost 5 times since and has taken his share of beatings (Tszyu, Baldomir, Cotto). On paper this match up weighs heavily in the favor of Bradford fighter.
Witter vs. Judah 2 in New York is the perfect stepping stone to big money fights in the US for Junior. For the casual boxing fan it would be about revenge and redemption – Junior trying to exorcise his demons. The rest of us can sit back and enjoy watching Zab eat his words again.