10.03.08 – Michael Herron (M.I.C.): I know some of you are reading this title and saying huh? What? What do you mean similar? Well, I know the image of Cotto KOing Zab is fresh in your mind, as compared to the Mayweather decision, but I believe Mayweather was on his way to accomplishing the same thing in the 10th round when Zab fouled him.
In both fights, Zab came out blazing, hurting his opponent and winning some early rounds. Then as the fight wears on, Zab starts to take jabs and lead rights, and what really hurt’s him are the body shots. Go back and watch his fight with PBF, and you’ll see that Floyd’s body attack is just as effective as Cotto’s in slowing Judah down. Another similar item was the damage that Zab took to the face. Floyd busted him up and had him swollen; so did Cotto..
The difference in Zab vs. Cotto is that for the first time in a big fight, Zab didn’t lose his cool, bend the rules, have a tantrum, or attack the referee. He actually gains more fans when he loses gracefully. So in one aspect, he has matured–he doesn’t make excuses or b@tch about his losses anymore.
Now enter Mosley vs. Judah. Will this fight follow a similar pattern? Will Zab come out blazing, stunning Mosley, winning the early rounds, only to start wilting under the pressure of Shane’s body attack, jabs, leads and hooks? Mosley showed in his fight with Cotto that he is there to fight; he isn’t going anywhere. It’s actually skilled fighters, some of whom don’t have a lot of power, that give Mosley the toughest time. Power ala Cotto, Vargas, does not bother Shane as much as speed and accuracy (Forrest, Winky, Oscar). With that said, Judah has a chance, because he has plenty of speed and accuracy. But can he keep it up? What he doesn’t have are the size and strength, or then again, maybe Mosley is too old and past his prime to do anything about it.
So the question is, can Judah box with discipline for twelve rounds (like I’m sure he’s training to do), or will he fold under pressure as he’s done in recent fights? Will Mosley vs. Judah be eerily similar to Judah vs. Mayweather and Cotto? You be the judge.