Mosley-Judah

High Stakes

By Michael Swann

Former three-division champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley faces former undisputed welterweight champ Zab “Super” Judah in Las Vegas on May 31 in a 12-round marquee matchup of longtime, high profile names desperate for a victory to remain relevant in the competitive welterweight division. Both men have participated in high-octane, exciting fights against the best fighters of their eras; both have speed and power; and both men need each other to showcase their abilities and make their case that they still belong in the upper echelon of the sport.

Mosley, 44-5 (37), lost a close decision to WBA belt holder Miguel Cotto in November in a pitched battle that pushed Cotto to his limits. Shane says that he wants another crack at the unbeaten Puerto Rican hero, and a win over Judah should put him in position for a rematch.

Judah, 36-5 (25), was virtually handpicked by Mosley. Negotiations with former titlist Ricardo Mayorga broke down and Shane could have opted to pursue Carlos Quintana, who defeated Paul Williams in February to take the WBO crown. But, at age 36, Shane preferred to face a bigger name rather than chase a token belt.

Elite fighters, particularly in the later stages of their careers, are at their best when they feel challenged.
Prior to the Cotto fight, Mosley had won five straight after losing two straight to the talented and bigger Winky Wright. Also in 2002, Mosley dropped back-to-back fights to Vernon Forrest. Still, whether in victory or defeat, Mosley has never failed to come into the ring in shape, give his best effort, or fight an exciting fight, and he has never been stopped in his career.

As a lightweight in the nineties, Shane was unbeatable, one of the pound-for-pound best in the world. He never quite had the same power when he moved up to fight naturally bigger men at 147 and 154, but he has shown that he can still crack enough to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Cotto and hurt him, as he did in the ninth round of their fight. And, even after 15 years as a professional, Mosley still has no superior in hand speed in the welterweight division, looking lean and quick since returning to 147 two fights ago.

The southpaw Judah is now 30 years old. He’s been a pro for almost 12 years, winning the IBF 140lb. title in 2000 and making five defenses. After losing a decision to Cory Spinks in 2004 in his first attempt to win the welterweight championship, he won the undisputed title in a rematch with Spinks in 2005.
Like Mosley, Judah took a shot at Miguel Cotto in 2007. However, whereas Mosley fought Cotto on near even terms before losing a close decision, Zab courageously absorbed a beating before he succumbed and lost by TKO in round 11.

Both Mosley and Judah had to be approved by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. In Shane’s case, it was automatic because of his age. In Judah’s case, his license had been revoked and he was fined $250,000 in April 2006 for his part in a brawl between the corners during the 10th round of his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. after he twice fouled Mayweather.

It was Judah’s second suspension in Nevada, having also been suspended in the aftermath of his fight with Kostya Tszyu in 2001 when he attempted to attack referee Jay Nady.

Judah is a dangerous boxer-puncher who, like Mosley, relies on his speed to supply the power. In fact, his hand speed is comparable to Mosley’s. He has the potential to make life difficult for anyone.

Zab fought well in the early going against Mayweather, and may have provided Floyd with his toughest test to date in many ways. But as so often happens when he faces elite competition, Zab faded down the stretch and lost a decision.
Judah is not the gym rat that Mosley is and has on occasion appeared in less than top condition. When he begins to fade late, his defense suffers and he becomes a target for right hands, and he doesn’t have as reliable a chin as Mosley.

In extended bouts such as those with Carlos Baldomir, Mayweather and Cotto, Judah failed to unveil the “B” plan after having a fast start and his opponent turned the fight in their favor. He’s primarily a frontrunner and is by no means a come-from-behind fighter. His best chance for victory is in the early going.

Shane is, for the most part, stylistically flexible. He’s suited to match Judah’s early work rate and has no apprehensions about standing in there with an aggressor (like with Cotto). But as versatile as he is, he has struggled in the past with slick stylists.

If Judah is to win he might well have his best opportunity by adopting a more defensive-minded, slick boxing scheme. Cotto used that tactic effectively after Mosley hurt him, with great success. And both Forrest and Wright are slick boxers who gave Mosley fits in their victories over him. Zab has the speed, movement, and natural reflexes to do it. But whether or not he can remain focused on it for 12 rounds is debatable.

At 5’9”, Shane will have a two-inch edge in height, an advantage always to his liking. But a more important measure might be that Mosley moved to welterweight in 1999, and fought bigger men at 154 for awhile, and now is the more natural welterweight.

By contrast, Zab first moved to 147 in 2004 and during the ensuing four years his record is 6-4 (3), with one NC. An excellent case could be made that Zab was at his best at 140.

It seems that Zab falls just short against the elite welterweights, despite his world-class status. He still has the fast hands, the southpaw style, the power and the mobility, but does he belong in the top echelon at 147? Or more accurately, has he fulfilled his potential to deserve that distinction?

Mosley is the pick in this one. He simply has more strengths at his disposal and Judah has more flaws which can be exploited.