by James Slater – Fight fans were at a loss as to why Zab “Super” Judah pulled out of his September 19th fight with Mexico’s Antonio Diaz. Set to face Diaz on the under-card of the hugely watched Floyd Mayweather Junior-Juan Manuel Marquez clash, the Brooklyn southpaw would have got himself some great publicity and he would have had a chance to shine before a T.V audience of one million. But no, Zab, for no given reason, said he would not be fighting..
Now, however, according to BoxRec, the 31-year-old former light-welterweight and welterweight title holder is scheduled to face Ramon Montano in Las Vegas on November 6th. Promoted by [Fernando] Vargas Entertainment and American Dream Productions, the ten-rounder will take place at 140-pounds. Though the 27-year-old from Mexico is no world beater at 17-7-2(2), at least Judah is set to get back into the ring.
Inactive sine his November 2008 points win over Ernest Johnson, Judah has wasted a full year of his career and we don’t know why. Against non-puncher Montano, Zab should get himself another victory. Fans may recognise Montano’s name from his drawn fight with the unbeaten Dmitriy Salita, who is soon to face WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan. Montano dropped Salita twice in the opening round of their March 2006 bout, before being held to an eight-round draw. Montano has never been stopped and he also gave former lightweight titlist David Diaz a hard night’s work last March, in losing a majority verdict over ten rounds.
The 27-year-old with just two KO’s to his name can certainly fight some, then, but unless Judah has really gone back he should be able to handle him easily enough. But then again, you never really know for sure with Zab – you never know what frame of mind he will be in when he climbs through the ropes. As to why Judah is taking this mark-time fight, when he could have fought a meaningful and decent paying fight on the big Sept. 19th card instead, who knows?
Judah, if he is able to become the first man to stop Montano, will likely say he has made a statement. But what is the former champ’s plan for afterwards? Does Zab really believe he can once again rule at 140? Or is he just on the lookout for some relatively easy pay cheques? Now 37-6(25), Judah will almost certainly make it to 38-6 on November 6th. Unless we see a career finishing upset, that is!