In a recent interview posted on another boxing website (boxingtalk.net), Zab Judah has stated that he will be out of action in the boxing ring until at least October. Zab has a contractual dispute with his current promoter "Main Events" and has vowed never to fight under their banner again... (Never say never, Zab, it might come back to bite you, AGAIN!). The article further states that Zab will be back in the ring before the end of the year fighting DeMarcus 'Chop Chop' Corley (in an official bout this time) under the Don King promotional team.

In the interview Zab explains his point of view concerning the recent Chop Chop Corley incident as well as some very colourful comments concerning Main Events lawyer Pat English. Judah further expressed an interest in fighting Sharmba Mitchell and Vivian Harris (without bad mouthing either man). To my surprise Kostya Tszyu was spared a verbal assault from the former IBF champ; perhaps Zab has focused his anger in other directions for now.

After reading the article it is hard for me to determine if Zab's comments have any merit or whether this is just another Judah dummy spit or another example of poor behaviour (in the mold of his hero Mike Tyson) from the former champ. If Zab's claims are correct well, I suppose I would have to respect his stance by not fighting for Main Events again, as he is sacrificing some of his prime years as a fighter in the process, based on sticking to his principles! I'm sure Main Events has a different perspective and it would be interesting to hear it.

One thing for sure is that for Zab to spend such a lengthy time out of the ring is not benefiting anyone. Perhaps the time off may be beneficial for Zab and he may be fresh, focused and hungry when he returns or perhaps it will leave him rusty and vulnerable. One thing I feel is that Zab Judah should make the most of his prime whilst he can as he is no Roy Jones, Jnr. or Pernell Whitaker in the skills department and he certainly does not take a punch like Chavez did in his prime. If Zab Judah's reflexes deteriorate during his period of inactivity or as he gets older (like we saw with Prince Naseem Hamed), then making a living in boxing's most competitive division could prove very painful for Zab Judah.

The other thing for Judah to contemplate is that this delay could ultimately deny him any opportunity for a rematch with Kostya Tszyu as the undisputed champ will probably only have another 2 to 3 more bouts before retiring and I'm sure Mr. Tszyu has other opponents in mind for his last few title defences.

4-05-03

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