By Jackie Kallen
The match-up tomorrow between Zab Judah and Amir Khan is an interesting one. I have always liked Zab Judah and I know he is looking at this fight as a pivotal one. It is pretty much a “must win” for the cagey veteran. His future in the sport rests on his performance. A win puts him in line for a possible fight with Timothy Bradley. A loss sends him to Palookaville.
Photo: Tom Hogan/ GoldenBoy
Khan is reportedly a 5-1 favorite. Few fans are predicting a Judah victory over the fast-rising star from the UK. Khan’s youth, height advantage and KO ratio make him the solid bet.
But what if Judah rises to the occasion? At 33 years old, he will have to get off to a good start to build up a solid lead and put some rounds in the bag. He will need to test Khan’s chin every chance he gets and show dominance from the first bell.
Khan, who has been working diligently with trainer Freddie Roach and conditioner Alex Ariza, feels totally confidant that he will knock Judah out. Clottey did it in 2008,and Cotto did it in 2007, so it is not an impossible feat. Khan went so far as to offer Judah a $100,000 bet that he’d get the KO.
On the other hand–Judah feels he is sharper than he has ever been and is ready to teach the new dog some old tricks. He believes that Khan has not been in against as many top opponents as he has and will crumble under pressure.
One boxing insider who has correctly predicted some surprising upsets sees Judah pulling this one out. I can’t agree, but it would sure make for an interesting night.
Jackie Kallen is a boxing manager who has been in the business for over three decades. Her life inspired the Meg Ryan film “Against the Ropes” and she was a part of the NBC series “The Contender.” www.JackieKallen.com, www.facebook.com/JackieKallen