Toughest challenge awaits for Khan against more powerful Judah
Published:Amir Khan has stated that Zab Judah potentially presents his toughest challenge yet, but a victory must be achieved if he harbours realistic hopes of fighting Floyd Mayweather next year.
Judah is not a fighter to be underestimated and has stepped into the ring with the likes of Mayweather, Kostya Tszyu, Miguel Cotto and Carlos Baldomir in the past.
However, after a period of losing his way, Judah has shown signs of a renaissance with five victories on the bounce since his 2008 defeat to Joshua Clottey.
The latest of these was against Kaizer Mabuza to become the new IBF light welterweight champion, making him a title holder in two different weight divisions.
Judah’s CV is something that Khan respects, but does not sway him from the belief that he will continue his rise up the boxing ladder with a seventh straight victory.
Khan said: “I think Judah could be the toughest one yet, he’s a five-time world champion and a two-weight world champion. He’s very experienced. He’s got skill and that southpaw style which is very awkward.
“There is always a young lion coming up and I’m going to take him out and take his throne. I want world titles and he holds a world title. I hope he’s been training hard because once I win I think that’s it for Zab Judah, I think he’ll have to hang his gloves up.”
Judah certainly has been training hard and looks to be more muscular than ahead of previous fights, particularly around his shoulders.
His trainer Pernell Whitaker insists that this extra power will not be at the detriment of his quickness and Judah is 4/1 in the boxing odds to beat Khan.
Khan showed an improved chin when taking the best heavy-hitting Marcos Maidana could throw in his last outing and the fact that this fight was also in Las Vegas will support his chances.
It is 1/7 that Khan beats Judah.
