Zab Judah Climbs the Mountain One More Time at Age 39. Tito Bracero Next?
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
*Photo Credit: Robert Brizel, Real Combat Media
Trenton, NJ (January 23rd, 2016)– A ring rusty Zab ‘Super’ Judah, making his first ring appear since 2013, made a comeback at age 39 with an impressive second round stoppage of veteran Jorge Luis Munguia at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey, on Saturday evening, January 21, 2017.
Judah, 43-9 with 30 knockouts, a Brooklyn resident now fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, landed combinations at will on Munguia in the first round, but did not floor the gas pedal. In the second round, Judah landed power shots at will on a helpless Munguia, 12-8 with four knockouts, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, who finally went down to the canvas from a left hand to the head and laid on his back, ending the contest at 1:27 of the second round.
Fighting at 142 pounds was a healthy comeback weight for Judah, who will still be stronger and better off fighting in the 140 pound junior welterweight division. Whether he goes down to 140, or remains at welterweight in the 146 pound division, Judah has a very viable opponent available for his next bout in fellow Brooklynite Gabriel ‘Tito’ Bracero, 24-3 with five knockouts. Both fighters incurred their last loss to Paul Malignaggi, another Brooklyn welterweight.
Judah versus Bracero at Barclays Center is a very viable bout at 10 rounds for a regional titular belt of some kind. The USBO belt is among those available, and would be suitable for Judah versus Bracero if it happens. Super lightweights Terence Crawford, Julius Indongo and Adrien Broner would find the aging and ring rusty Judah a mismatch. However, Judah still has considerable skill and drawing power. Judah versus Bracero is an even matchup on paper, given Judah’s age, Bracero’s lack of power, and the ability to sell tickets in the Brooklyn borough. Judah versus Bracero would be a big draw on any boxing card in New York City. Sportswriter Robert Brizel’s education in boxing is often seen in his ability to foresee exciting matchups the public wants, even when no title is at stake.
Result: Zab Judah TKO 2 Jorge Luis Munguia, Welterweights (1:27)
Also on the Trenton Card
Derrick Webster Win 10 Thomas Awinbono, Super Middleweights
Webster wins vacant USBO Super Middleweight Title
Scoring: 100-90, 98-92, 98-92 Webster, now 22-1, 11 knockouts, Glassboro, New Jersey.
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