Zab Judah vs. Joshua Clottey

August 02, 2008

OUTCOME: Clottey by Decision

ANDY'S PICK: Judah by Decision at +400

THE BET:
2.0 Units on Judah by Decision at +400

THE PAYOUT:
0 Units

Sometimes I think people just forget exactly how good Zab Judah really is. When I saw the odds makers put him at +400 to beat Clottey by decision I had to double take. With the clear understanding that Judah cannot knock out the ultra rugged Clottey (if Margarito couldn't then no one can) this basically means, in the eyes of the bookies, that Judah is going to lose.

So all a guy has to do is drop two hard fought battles against the #1 (Mayweather) and #2 (Cotto) pound for pound fighters in the world and he's suddenly a has been?

Well I beg to differ and I think come Saturday night Judah is going to surprise us against the skilled, but relatively two dimensional, Clottey.  Important to note, Clottey has been most impressive in a unanimous loss (to Margarito), and like Shamone Alvarez who gave Clottey trouble, Judah is a southpaw. Also, Clottey has been prone to hand problems and I wouldn't be surprised to see that play a factor Saturday night.

While Clottey brings a poor man's Margarito offense he is very prone to being hit and lacks the speed and power of Judah.  He simply does everything pretty well but nothing great. Judah on the other hand has supreme hand speed and power and exhibits tremendous footwork.  He even showed his chin against Mayweather and Cotto. What Judah lacks is late round stamina and most importantly, consistency.  However, I believe two things. One is that Judah realizes that his career is on the line and therefore  has most likely trained his ass off for this fight. Secondly, he knows he can't knock Clottey out so he will employ his boxing skills, conserve his energy and pound out a close, but unanimous decision against the African.

The bet here is Judah by decision at +400. He can't knock Clottey out and he wont try. Good luck!