Zab Judah Wants to Knock Juan Manuel Marquez Out: Pacquiao-Marquez III at Risk?

"Super" Zab Judah has just won his IBF light welterweight belt (140 lbs.) and already wants a tough defense. In an article by boxingscene.com, Judah mentioned that he is interested in fighting Juan Manuel Marquez and believes he would knock him out.

"I'm telling you, he can't deal with me at 140 pounds. Did you see how Floyd Mayweather dropped him...I promise you, I would knock Marquez out," boasted Judah.

Judah (41-6, 28 KOs, 2 NC) won his IBF title by stopping Kaizer Mabuza (23-7-3, 14 KOs) in round seven.

Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KOs) has won titles in three weight divisions, currently holding multiple world titles in the lightweight (135 lbs.) division.

Marquez has stated his desire to become the first Mexican-born fighter to win world championships in four weight classes. Judah represents Marquez's best chance of snatching a world title in that fourth weight class.

On the other hand, even more than winning titles in four weight divisions, Marquez wants a third match with Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao and Marquez went life-and-death in two highly controversially close matches.

The first ended in a draw. The second ended in a split decision victory to Pacquiao who moved up in weight and moved on from Marquez.

Marquez believes he can still beat Pacquiao and would love to collect a career-high payday against the popular fighter. Fighting Judah may help his case for a Pacquiao fight if he wins, but may also destroy his chances should an upset occur.

Bob Arum has recently stated that he'd like Pacquiao to fight Marquez this fall if Floyd Mayweather is not available for a much anticipated fight.

Marquez also currently has promotional problems that may prevent or at least place a fight with Judah or anyone else on hold.

Judah's promoter, Kathy Duva, according to fighthyppe.com, had this to say on the matter: "Marquez clearly has to sort out his promotional situation, but when he does, we will be happy to offer the fight to whoever he decides he'd like us to offer it to."

With the rest of the 140-pound division such as Timothy Bradley, Amir Khan and Marcos Maidana busy with other fights, Juan Manuel Marquez is likely the biggest fight possible for Judah if his team can sign it.