Judah cruises past Cruz to make statement, stops him in 3
After a 9 month layoff, Zab “Super” Judah (39-6, 27 KO’s) made a convincing statement in front of 4,215 fans at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., stopping Jose Armando Santa Cruz (28-5, 17 KO’s) in the third round. The victory places Judah back in the mix with the top fighters of the junior welterweight division. Judah has now won three straight bouts and five of his last six, while Santa Cruz was kayoed for the fourth time in his professional career.
Judah was euphoric following the fight.
“They mention Timothy Bradley, Devon Alexander and Amir Khan; They are so-called champions,” stated Judah. “Don’t forget about me. I’m here and I’m coming back!”
Judah is certainly back and credits his original promotional company, Main Events, with his resurgence.
“I came back and got with a promotional company that I started my career with, the promotional company that made Zab Judah who he is,” said Judah. “You’re going to see a lot of us. We’re not going nowhere.”
Judah’s performance was exceptional, as his punches looked particularly sharp. He displayed a game plan and stuck to it. Judah’s shots landed with pinpoint accuracy, and he kept Santa Cruz turning after he threw his combinations.
In the first round, Judah connected with a series of straight lefts and right hooks to Santa Cruz’ body. Santa Cruz had a great deal of trouble getting his shots off.
Judah continued his superior lateral movement in round two, repeatedly turning Santa Cruz as soon as he finished landing straight lefts and right hooks to the body. Then, Judah opened up his arsenal a little more and connected with a straight left that landed flush on Santa Cruz’ face.
In round three, Judah sneered at Cruz for a brief moment. After that, Cruz stepped up his game and struck Judah with rights and lefts in succession. After that, Judah unleashed a vicious left uppercut that flattened Santa Cruz. Judah, who is known as a terrific finisher, blasted Santa Cruz when he got up with several lefts and rights until Benjy Esteves stopped the action at 2:33.
“He got me with a really good uppercut,” said Santa Cruz. “I got beat by a really good fighter.”
Clearly, Judah will fight anyone next. WBC and IBF titlist Devon Alexander, WBO titlist Timothy Bradley and WBA titlist Amir Khan top the list of possible upcoming opponents for Judah. Alexander, Bradley and Khan are all excellent, young fighters. However, none of them possess the experience or reputation of Judah. They are all untested and need a fight with Judah to prove themselves in the junior welterweight division. On the other hand, Judah needs them just as much, as his performance tonight indicates he is ready for a title shot right now.
October 2nd at the Prudential Center is the tentative date and venue for Judah’s next bout.
“They’re talking about them fighting each other,” Main Events C.E.O. Kathy Duva stated, referring to the discussions by HBO about Alexander, Bradley and Khan fighting each other.
Duva added, “We have a plan to fight on October 2nd, and if they would like to be here they are more than welcome.”
And if Mayweather and Pacquiao cannot agree to terms of a highly anticipated bout, Judah would be more than happy to fight Pacquiao.
“You put 20 million on the table and 40% of that PPV, we’ll do it,” acknowledged Judah.
Without a doubt, Judah’s confidence is at a pinnacle right now.
Judah declared, “This is just my opinion – I’m the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing.”
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