Judah's Last Stand

Zab Judah faces off against Joshua Clottey Saturday night for a chance at a welterweight title belt, but more importantly for a chance at a boxing future. Judah, known to be long on talent but short on accomplishment, is one of the most fascinating athletes in the world today.

HBO On Demand is currently running the "Best of Zab Judah" this month. A look at the film reveals a a lot of memorable fights, but not alot of impressive wins.

Judah has speed, quickness, power and he's a southpaw. He's fights technically sound and mixes it up enough to be both dangerous and exciting.

But he always seems to implode.

Judah's physical gifts allowed him to win 3 of the first 4 rounds against Mayweather in their fight, but Mayweather's skill level and mental toughness carried him to an easy win.

Judah had Miguel Cotto hurt early in their fight last year, but a couple of low blows knocked all the starch out of Zab's initiative, and Judah was eventually KO'd.

Super Zab's career is littered with moments like this. Loss after loss despite the limitless potential, but now Judah has another chance.

A win Saturday makes Super Zab Judah a super again, and helps him lay claim to being a contender. A win Saturday opens up possibilities for bigger paydays against the likes of Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito or even Oscar De La Hoya.

But another loss, another implosion, leads Judah straight back to were he is right now: rapidly falling to being just another palooka on ESPN2.

Hey, maybe he can fight Jose Luis Castillo!

(I really like Zab, so good luck to him on Saturday night!)