Judah - Clottey

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Click Here And Get It Now!By: Josh Lashley

   Those of us who saw what happened in that ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada last Saturday know that one thing is for sure-our heads are still buzzing from what was truly and accurately depicted as a ‘classic’ when Antonio Margarito stopped Miguel Cotto in the 11th round to become the welterweight champion of the world.

   But, it’s time that we re-focus our attention because another very meaningful welterweight encounter is right in front of us. On August 2 at The Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Zab Judah will face off with Joshua Clottey for the IBF crown.

   This fight may not have the same type of electricity or implications as did Margarito-Cotto, but you’d better believe that it will be worth tuning into to HBO on that night to find what happens between these two top-flight professionals on the first Saturday in August.

   Interestingly, fights that Judah and Clottey are remembered for in recent years came against Cotto and Margarito, respectively. Judah was game and at times very competitive against Cotto when they met in June of ‘07, but ultimately he succumbed in the 11th round. Judah has won two fights via unanimous decision since that bout.

   Clottey was doing very well against Margarito until he injured his left hand in the fourth round of their December ‘06 meeting. Clottey has been impressive since that fight with victories over the likes of Diego Corrales, Shamone Alvarez and in April of 2008, he stopped Jose Luis Cruz in the fifth round.

   All of that is in the past now and if Clottey or Judah plan on reaching the highest heights in the welterweight class, it starts when they fight one another.

   Judah (30 years old from Brooklyn, New York) will enter the fight with a record of 36-5 (25 knockouts) while Clottey (31, Bronx, New York) has a career mark of 34-2 (20).

   One area where Judah looks to have his biggest advantage, as is the case in many of his fights, is in the speed department. Judah is still lightning quick and has very good reflexes. If he can stay somewhat disciplined and do his damage while not enduring too much bodily harm himself, it could be a good night for him. Judah is not a tremendous puncher, but he is a solid one and he has more than enough pop to keep most guys honest.

   For his part, look for Clottey to apply steady, smart pressure and at the same time keep his defense tight. He will try to wear down Judah, who has had issues with stamina, and punish him in the middle and late rounds.

   It’s hard to determine who is hungrier to capture this victory. Clottey badly wants his name to be recognized right alongside Cotto and Margarito as the best in the world at 147 pounds. Further, you’d better believe he wants to see either of those guys across the ring from himself in the near future.

   Judah wants everyone to know that he is still at the top of his game and a victory over Clottey would go a long toward accomplishing that feat.

   The pick in this corner is Clottey by unanimous decision. Judah’s speed and movement will almost certainly give Clottey problems-for a while. But, if Clottey keeps his composure and patience throughout the fight, he will have his chances with Judah. This fight may be Clottey’s time to shine.