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Uneventful Fight Between Amir Khan vs Zab Judah Causes Another Setback for Boxing

Amir Khan vs Zab Judah had a buzz around it similar to the Wladimir Klitschko vs David Haye fight. Like the heavyweight bout, the Khan vs Judah fight never lived up to the hype.

Khan was looking to stake his claim as the next big thing in boxing. Judah had one last shot at reigning supreme in the division. The stage was set for some of boxing's best pound-for-pound fighters to square off in an epic showdown.

It had all the makings of a good fight. Each put a belt on the line when they entered the ring and the fight was laden with enticing storylines.

Boxing needed this fight. The heavyweight division remains in shambles, as Klitschko continues to make quick work of his opponents. These fights are carrying boxing.

With boxing on life support, the sport really can't afford to build up to fights that don't deliver. That's exactly what happened with the Khan vs Judah fight, causing for yet another setback.

Khan delivered a blow to Judah right on the beltline that sent Judah to the canvas. Judah believed that the shot was below the belt, but the referee saw it otherwise.

As a result, the fight ended in the most unexciting knockout imaginable. Khan emerges victorious, but the fight didn't reward spectators whatsoever.

Boxing is in dire need of an instant classic. Another dud keeps boxing at a standstill. It's going to take a Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Manny Pacquiao fight to allow boxing to rise from the ashes. Fights like the Khan and Judah fight prove that pre-fight hype isn't nearly enough to entice the general population.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page.

--Kyle Vassalo

Amir Khan Easily Prevails vs. Zab Judah and Has Bigger Things Ahead

At just 25 years old Amir Khan is the holder of the unified 140 pound title. This is an impressive feat for any boxer, but it is not as impressive as the way in which he has done it. Khan has been downright dominant. So dominant that the unified 140 pound title seems like a mere stepping stone to bigger things. Khan has a chance to be known as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. 

And the road to the mythical pound-for-pound title leads to one place: Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao is one weight class up from Khan, making the fight a distinct and accessible possibility. But before that fight happens Khan may have a date with Floyd Mayweather Jr..

Khan recently spoke on the opportunity that lay in front of him. Khan:

"If we get through this fight. I really think it is a possibility because Mayweather has already been told that in the future he could be facing me. His team has agreed with that. I think to have things mapped out in a plan is good because you know where you are going and what you have to achieve. That's one of the reasons why I want to go into my fights and impress and do well, knowing that fight against Mayweather is mapped out."

To this end Mayweather's people are discussing it as well. Golden Boy's Richard Schaefer has already commented on the possibility of Khan taking the ring with Mayweather. Schaefer:

"Floyd has told me he is very interested in meeting Amir in the ring next year. ... The plan would be for Amir to have another fight in December, in the US again, possibly against Erik Morales. He could then perhaps have a big UK battle, possibly against another Brit, Kell Brook, before moving on to face Mayweather.

“The plan would be for Amir to have another fight in December, in the US again, possibly against the four-times world champion Erik Morales.

“He could then perhaps have a big UK battle, possibly against another Brit, Kell Brook, before moving on to face Mayweather.”

While everyone wants to see Mayweather fight Pacquiao, that just may never happen. This could possibly be the path to appease are need for that fight. If Khan dispatches Mayweather, than a Pacquiao-Khan fight will be the best thing going in boxing.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page.

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Amir Khan KOs Zab Judah, Tim Bradley up Next?

Amir Khan dominated Zab Judah for an entire five rounds and finally got the knockout blow on a shot to the midsection of Judah.

After the fight Khan spoke in his press conference about a potential fight with Tim Bradley, Fight Hype has the inside scoop,

I think he's scared. I mean, Tim Bradley, if he was the champion he says he is, I mean, he would have faced me a long time ago.

I mean, Timothy Bradley was calling me out and as soon as I said, 'Yeah, listen, I'm ready to fight.

And I'm really serious, Zab Judah is a better fighter than Timothy Bradley in my eyes.

Saying that Judah is a better fighter than Bradley is likely going to get under Bradley's skin, especially with how easy Khan manhandled Judah.

If Khan is trying to tempt Bradley to fight him, this might be the way to do it. Don't be surprised if Khan moves up to welterweight to try and get a fight with Floyd "Money" Mayweather soon as he tries to eventually lure in Manny Pacquiao.

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Amir Khan vs. Zab Judah May be a Huge Stepping Stone for Amir Khan

With a championship already under his belt, the 25-year-old Amir Khan could easily consider his boxing career a success. However, his immense talent points to the fact that bigger things may lay ahead for this promising slugger. So as he prepares for his fight with Zab Judah with a chance to unify the belts in the 140-pound weight class, it would seem that it would be silly to look beyond that match, but Khan's future is so bright it is impossible not to.

Khan recently spoke on the opportunity that lay in front of him. Khan:

"If we get through this fight. I really think it is a possibility because Mayweather has already been told that in the future he could be facing me. His team has agreed with that. I think to have things mapped out in a plan is good because you know where you are going and what you have to achieve. That's one of the reasons why I want to go into my fights and impress and do well, knowing that fight against Mayweather is mapped out."

To this end Mayweather's people are discussing it as well. Golden Boy's Richard Schaefer has already commented on the possibility of Khan taking the ring with Mayweather. Schaefer:

"Floyd has told me he is very interested in meeting Amir in the ring next year. ... The plan would be for Amir to have another fight in December, in the US again, possibly against Erik Morales. He could then perhaps have a big UK battle, possibly against another Brit, Kell Brook, before moving on to face Mayweather.

“The plan would be for Amir to have another fight in December, in the US again, possibly against the four-times world champion Erik Morales.

“He could then perhaps have a big UK battle, possibly against another Brit, Kell Brook, before moving on to face Mayweather.”

It is clear that a world of opportunities exist for Khan. However, he better stay focused on the task at hand, or he will find himself dreaming of those opportunities as he lay unconscious from the hands of Zab Judah and awakens to a consciousness that has his promising future further away than it was before the bout.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page.

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Super Trainer Freddie Roach Knows Amir Khan vs. Zab Judah Can Be an Easy Win for Khan

When five-time trainer of the year Freddie Roach speaks the boxing world listens. And Roach was speaking before his fighter, Amir Khan takes on Zab Judah on Saturday night. Roach: 

"Amir has had some great workouts, and we are prepared for this guy, who is very experienced. I think this will be an easy fight and if we fight the right fight there should not be a problem. Amir is just too young and too fast for this guy."

Wow! Roach is confident. But he did not go as fat as to guarantee a victory. He did add a caveat to his statement. "If we fight the right fight."

And there is a lot to that statement. Khan did anything but fight the right fight in his last bout.

Khan, 25-1 (17 KOs), won his last match, but it was not without controversy. Khan and Northern Irishman Paul McCloskey clanged heads together. McCloskey was cut and could not continue. The judges had given Khan every round, but the bout was much closer than that sentence illustrates.

And it seemed clear that McCloskey was saving himself for a big finish to the fight. He threw very few punches, and spent most of his time making Khan miss.

That is a strategy that Judah has the experience and quickness to follow. He also has a left hand that could lay Khan out if he is not careful. Khan has every reason to stay focused and disciplined in this fight. It will unify his title and probably lead to a much bigger payday. But that right there is a reason he may not follow his gameplan. He might get caught looking ahead. 

Khan recently spoke on the opportunity that lay in front of him. Khan:

"If we get through this fight. I really think it is a possibility because Mayweather has already been told that in the future he could be facing me. His team has agreed with that. I think to have things mapped out in a plan is good because you know where you are going and what you have to achieve. That's one of the reasons why I want to go into my fights and impress and do well, knowing that fight against Mayweather is mapped out."

Well, as long as he fights the "right fight" he should have an easy time advancing on that map. Freddie Roach told me so.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page

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Amir Khan vs. Zab Judah Could Push Khan into the Boxing Stratosphere

25-year-old Amir Khan is on the verge of super stardom. In many ways this young champion has already arrived in the boxing world, but he is two fights away from reaching the elite of the sport. And that all starts Saturday night in what is the biggest fight of his career.

The obvious reason this fight is huge is that it is a chance to unify the welterweight title. And while that is a prize that is a solid highlight in any career, the ramification of this fight on Khan's future are huge. The young fighter is on the verge of big paydays and a long career. He certainly has all the talent. However, an apparent lack of interest in his last fight almost cost him, and he needs to prove that he is ready to take the next step in his boxing career.

Khan, 25-1 (17 KOs), won his last match, but it was not without controversy. Khan and Northern Irishman Paul McCloskey clanged heads together. McCloskey was cut and could not continue. The judges had given Khan every round, but the bout was much closer than that sentence illustrates.

And it seemed clear that McCloskey was saving himself for a big finish to the fight. He threw very few punches, and spent most of his time making Khan miss.

Khan needs to prove that he can fighter a cleaner and more efficient fight against an opponent in Judah that will likely employ many of the same tactics that McCloskey did. If Khan does this he will be ready for the big time.

While Floy Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are busy not fighting each other in the ring, they fight over the next person they are going to fight, and one of those two would be the likely next opponent for Khan should he win. 

To this end Golden Boy's Richard Schaefer has already commented on the possibility of Khan taking the ring with Mayweather. Schaefer:

"Floyd has told me he is very interested in meeting Amir in the ring next year. ... The plan would be for Amir to have another fight in December, in the US again, possibly against Erik Morales. He could then perhaps have a big UK battle, possibly against another Brit, Kell Brook, before moving on to face Mayweather.

“The plan would be for Amir to have another fight in December, in the US again, possibly against the four-times world champion Erik Morales.

“He could then perhaps have a big UK battle, possibly against another Brit, Kell Brook, before moving on to face Mayweather.”

It is clear that big things await this young boxer, but first he has to get past Zab Judah.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page

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Zab Judah Will Need to Remain Patient and Efficient vs. Amir Khan

This is huge fight for 25-year-old Amir Khan. The obvious reason is that it is a chance to unify the welterweight title. And while that is a prize that is a solid highlight in any career, the ramification of this fight on Khan's future are huge. The young fighter is on the verge of big paydays and a long career. He certainly has all the talent. However, an apparent lack of interest in his last fight almost cost him, and he needs to prove that he is ready to take the next step in his boxing career.

Khan, 25-1 (17 KOs), won his last match, but it was not without controversy. Khan and Northern Irishman Paul McCloskey clanged heads together. McCloskey was cut and could not continue. The judges had given Khan every round, but the bout was much closer than that sentence illustrates.

And it seemed clear that McCloskey was saving himself for a big finish to the fight. He threw very few punches, and spent most of his time making Khan miss.

And while McCloskey may have been undone before he had a chance to execute his gameplan, he did lay out the blueprint for success against McCloskey. Now we just have to see if Zab Judah is still sprite enough to follow it.

Khan has a distinct edge in speed and power over the 33-year-old Judah. Judah has seen the mat in each of his last two bouts, and he has definitely show the erosion of skills that father time spares no fighter from. However, it is in the basis of the experienced gain that Judah has an advantage.

While Judah may have lost a step he is still a quick fighter. He also has the patience that comes with experience to wear out Khan, and wait for his moments to strike.

So, in what seems like a disadvantage to an older fighter is actually an advantage in this case. The longer the fight goes on, the better Judah's odds of success become.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page

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Zab Judah's Mental Toughness, Experience Could Determine Fight

Amir Khan and Zab Judah square off in Sin City in an HBO Championship fight. In this day and age of boxing, fights don't need to be a heavyweight title fight to be successful.

Khan vs Judah will likely produce the fighter who will take on Timothy Bradley in a ring title fight. It also determines which of these fighters will be stripped of their respective belt.

So much is at stake for both fighters. Both are desperately seeking to emerge out of a talent laden weight class and reign supreme. They are at completely different stages in their careers, but Khan and Judah both have a lot to prove.

Khan is an emerging superstar in the sport. Judah has been around for a long time, but his newly found maturity has completely altered his once shaky persona, in and outside of the ring. This is likely his last shot at a title, which obviously adds to the importance this fight holds for him.

Judah's notorious past kept him from ever reaching his true potential. His lack of focus and suspensions for his tactless antics could very well define his boxing career. While he can't do anything to change his past, it appears that he has reevaluated his life.

After finding religion, Judah has done a complete 180 turn and enters this fight prepared, reserved and focused on the task at hand.

It's a far cry from the fighter, and person for that matter, that he once was.

In order to win this fight, Judah can't let himself get outworked by Khan. Judah is a tactician, which could backfire if Khan lands his shots early and often.

Judah picking his punches carefully and using his superior technique to try to let Khan punch himself out of the fight may not work, as Khan has shown that it takes a long time for him to run out of steam.

Khan's combinations are lethal. He's got incredible hand speed and reflexes. He's the type of fighter that Judah just may have a hard time figuring out.

This fight is going to be a close one, but the edge has to go to the more experienced fighter in Judah.The reshaping of his character came too late, but now that it has arrived, he may be able to make up for lost time before he ages out of boxing.

Judah has the wherewithal to handle Khan's flurries of punches. Khan will undoubtedly lead for the majority of this fight, but that is exactly how Judah would like for things to play out.

If Judah catches Khan with a big shot, he knows how to finish his opponent. Regardless of the outcome, this fight is going to be a huge determining factor in the future for both fighters.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page

--Kyle Vassalo

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Amir Khan and Zab Judah have a big task immediately in front of them: they are fighting each other. Their reward for victory will be either retaining the championship belt in Khan's case, or, for Judah, winning the belt for the first time. A victory may also present them with a far more lucrative, but far less appealing, opportunity to fight Manny Pacquiao.

Making that possible task even more daunting, and possibly less likely, is the fact that the Judah-Pacquiao winner would have to jump up a weight class. They are currently fighting in the 140 lbs. weight class, and Pacquiao calls 147 lbs. home.

Of course a fight with Pacquiao offers the biggest possible payday for the boxers. Pacquiao is unquestionably the sport's biggest name, and very few people would argue that he is the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The only one's that would dispute that are probably in Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s camp. And that is the fight everyone really wants to see, but it also the fight no one gets to see.

So while Mayweather and Pacquiao are busy not fighting each other in the ring, they fight over the next person they are going to fight. So just as Pacquiao exists as a big money possibility so does Floyd Mayweather Jr., and to this end Golden Boy's Richard Schaefer has already commented on the possibility of Khan taking the ring with Mayweather. Schaefer:

"Floyd has told me he is very interested in meeting Amir in the ring next year. ... The plan would be for Amir to have another fight in December, in the US again, possibly against Erik Morales. He could then perhaps have a big UK battle, possibly against another Brit, Kell Brook, before moving on to face Mayweather.

“The plan would be for Amir to have another fight in December, in the US again, possibly against the four-times world champion Erik Morales.

“He could then perhaps have a big UK battle, possibly against another Brit, Kell Brook, before moving on to face Mayweather.”

So while the next opponent for the winner may not be set in stone—one thing is for certain—there will be plenty of options.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page.

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Amir Khan vs. Zab Judah Preview

Amir Khan and Zab Judah are set to faceoff in Las Vegas on Saturday night to determine the undisputed Jr. Welterweight Champion.

The match will consist of the young gun, Khan, and the seasoned veteran, Judah. Both fighters will be desperate for a victory in this fight, especially after their recent Twitter Feud.

Here are three bold predictions for the fight:

1. It won't last more than eight rounds

These guys are going to be going after each other every chance they get, so someone is bound to let their guard down. Judah is going to be on the attack more often than not as he knows this is his last real shot at owning his weight class.

Judah doesn't have much left in the tank, so he is going to leave everything on the line in this fight.

2. Zab Judah will win

Zab Judah will likely be fighting in his last bout if he does not come away with a victory here. He still has a few fights left in him but if he doesn't defeat Khan he may decide to hang the gloves up, even if he claims he will continue fighting.

He is going to be hungry for a victory and that generally equates well in the boxing world. He will take advantage of every opportunity Khan give him to come away with the knockout

3 Amir Khan will be ahead on the scorecard before being knocked out

Khan is a very talented up and coming fighter and Judah will be hoping to knock him off with one punch. Khan is probably the better fighter at this stage in their careers so it should be no surprise that he will be ahead on the scorecard.

Judah is going for the knockout blow and if he doesn't get it, he will lose this fight and his Welterweight title to Khan.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page.

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Amir Khan vs. Zab Judah Set for Showdown

Roger Mayweather, uncle and trainer of Floyd Mayweather Jr., has officially called out Amir Khan and predicted that Zab Judah would win the fight.

Mayweather appears to have called out Khan for steroid use, likely due to his close relationship with Floyd Mayweather's enemy Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather had this to say to The Las Vegas Examiner about the fight and Khan,

Oh I think Zab should beat Amir Khan. He has more skill, he’s a veteran. He done fought the best fighters in the world. Who has Amir Khan beat? He aint beat no real name fighters.

The only reason Amir Khan has become the fighter he is, is because he’s got those steroids in his ass too. The same thing Pacquiao’s got in him. I know because those mother******* told me.

Mother******* from Pacquiao’s camp, that’s who. I talk to them dudes all the time.

Mayweather had to throw some expletives in for good measure there but he seems completely convinced that Khan has been using steroids along with Pacquiao (no surprise there).

Khan kept his response simple in a conversation with the Daily Mail,

I have been drug tested every time – so many times I’ve lost count. And I have never failed one of them.

I have been tested out of training camp and in training camp – even answering unexpected knocks at my door to comply. I have proved I am a clean fighter.

If he is testing and coming up clean there really is no argument for Mayweather. However, there is no doubt this will continue to come from the Mayweather camp, whether it be about Khan or Pacquiao.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page.

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England’s Amir Khan 25-1, 17 KO’s takes on American Zab Judah, 41-6, 28 KO’s

The English are still reeling from the David Haye vs. Wladimir Klitschko fight, as Haye lost his heavyweight title and was absolutely dominated by Klitschko.

Amir Khan is a rising star in the boxing world at just 24 years of age. On the other hand, Zab Judah is getting older by the day and this is likely his last shot to dominate his weight class.

Judah is 33 years of age and he knows he is nearing the end of the road.

Khan is certainly the favorite to win this fight as he is the No. 2 ranked man in this weight class, while Judah is the No. 6 fighter in the weight class.

The two have been going back and forth via Twitter to hype up the match. Only time will tell which fighter actually shows up to fight when it matters.

Both these fighters are quick and fight fast. The match should be incredibly entertaining and a knockout is definitely a possibility with the way these fighters go all out.

Don't look for dancing and lollygagging like you saw from the Haye, Klitschko fight. This fight has the potential to bring the hype back to boxing and get it on the right track.

The UK are just hoping that Khan doesn't send English boxing into a free fall.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page.

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Zab Judah's Out of the Ring Changes Could be the Difference in his Title Fight against Amir Khan

Zab Judah's demeanor is a far cry from what it once was. The 33-year-old seems reserved and aside from a Twitter battle with Khan, has kept relatively quiet.

Judah once threw a stool after he got knocked out. He was unlikable and put forth way too much swagger to be palatable.

The arrogance and cocky attitude he exuded prior to his championship fight against Kostya Tszyu spoke of his immaturity. The fit of rage that ensued after he was knocked out made him downright unlikable.

That was a long time ago. He was 24 then and he's switched up his mindset heading into this fight. He's the same person, but it's clear that he realizes this may be his last rodeo.

After the age of 30, fighters tend to age in dog years. While he has been a mainstay in the weight class for the past decade, he's running out of opportunities to be the undisputed light welterweight champion.

This is his shot. He takes on Amir Khan, a 24-year-old who is looking to put an impressive notch in his belt by taking down such a renowned name. 

Each fighter walks into this fight with a belt. By Saturday night's end, one will be claim both. Both fighters are tremendously capable. They are at different points in their careers, but the desire remains for each of them.

Unfortunately for Khan, Judah isn't the upstart and unfocused fighter he once was. Judah has a number of infractions under his belt, including the assault on a referee in the Tszyu fight and his father firing a blow at Roger Mayweather in the Mayweather Jr. vs Judah fight.

Now, he's a reformed man, which could very well translate to the ring. He's had a rocky road to this point, but Judah seems poised to put his past behind him. Suspensions, fines and antics are a big part of who he was, but don't reflect who he has become.

It's going to be interesting to see if he can harness the energy he once had and ride his newly found maturity to a victory over Khan.

For all of the most up-to-date info on the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight, keep it locked to Bleacher Report's Boxing Page

--Kyle Vassalo