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From Zab Super Judah to Thomas Hitman Hearns: My View of Boxing From Ford Center

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

 

On Saturday evening, October 20, 2016, I had the privilege of being the distinguished guest of promoter Eddie Jaafar and Jaafar Boxing Promotions, covering a boxing show at the very elegant and high class Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan. Six Professional bouts were featured.

 

Of greater interest is always what world champion boxers past and present walk through the door. I had the privilege of spending time with the one and only colorful southpaw junior welterweight and welterweight Zab ‘Super’ Judah, who will be fighting next on January 21, 2017, at sun National Bank Center, in Trenton, New Jersey. At age 39, Zab looks to be in the best emotional and physical state of his career. Zab remains a strong bet to regain a world title at 140 pounds super lightweight.

 

This reporter had the privilege of being present at three of Zab’s biggest wins. Zab’s wins over: 27-0 Lucas Martin Matthysse (Wins Split Decision 12, 2010, Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey); 23-6-3 Kaizer Mabuza (TKO 7, 2011, Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey); 26-0 Vernon Paris (TKO 9, 2012, Aviator Sports Complex, Brooklyn, New York). All of these bouts were either title bouts or eliminators. Zab has always fought up and fought the best. Despite being three years out, Zab will always be in the mix.

 

When Zab sets his ageless mind and ability to anything in boxing, he succeeds. Zab just needs clear focus, and with the right attitude and discipline in training, he should win another world title at 140 pounds in 2017 for sure.

 

Spending time with Thomas Hearns was also a rare opportunity to find out what’s up with ‘The Hitman’. On this particular evening, sitting and talking with ‘The Hitman’, Thomas expressed an interest in going into sports promotion in the Detroit area in the near future. Thomas is most qualified to be a promoter next, if that is what he wants in his next stage of life. Thomas looks good, and seems enthusiastic about his future possibilities.

 

A spectacular return card of 12 pro boxing bouts in planned for January 2017 by promoter Eddie Jaafar at the Ford Center, featuring undefeated light heavyweight prospect James Ballard and world class welterweight Lanardo Tyner.

 

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Bout Results, October 30, 2016

 

Referees: Pat Schmidt, Gerard White

 

DeAndre Ware Win 6 Troy Artis, Super Middleweights, Main Event

An exciting, competitive bout far closer than scoring indicated. Great matchup.

 

Antonio Wade Win 4 Hosea Smith, Middleweights, Preliminary bout to Main Event

 

Middleweight prospect Wade dropped gallant Smith, who fought bravely from the opening bell to the final bell-despite having been inactive for ten years. Smith needed a tune up first.

 

Marcus Carter TKO 1 Dalvin Anderson (Pro Debut), Heavyweights (0:17)

 

Massive 306 pound Anderson fell at the first punch thrown by Carter, which only grazed Anderson’s head but did not hit him. Anderson seen laughing on the canvas. Anderson’s purse was withheld by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission. It sure looked like a dive. No fault of carter’s though, who apparently came to fight-and didn’t get the chance.

 

Sinan Fradi (Pro Debut) No-Contest 1 Brian Jackson, Light Heavyweights

 

Debuting Fradi accidentally hit 0-4 Jackson behind the head, causing a No-Contest ruling.

 

Cassius Anderson TKO 1 Anthony Coleman Jr., Heavyweights (0:50)

 

Andreal Holmes TKO 1 Keith Bullock, Middleweights (2:32)

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