Zab Judah vs Kostya Tszyu 2 (2005)

[2128778]

Here's an alternative plot for you: what if Tszyu (who was cutting a lot of weight throughout his career) would've decided to finally leave 140 and pursue a Judah fight for Undisputed at welterweight, after seeing Judah beat Spinks in Feb.2005?

Given Tszyu being Lineal champ at 140, he would've likely received high rankings at 147. For him, it's a chance to become a two-time undisputed against a fighter he has already beaten.

For Judah, it's a chance to avenge a bitter loss against Tszyu who was getting up there in age. I believe, him and his team were calling Tszyu out for a rematch around that time.

A year before that, Tszyu was playing with the idea to move up and fight Cory Spinks (after Spinks beat Mayorga) for all the marbles. But nothing materialized.

What if we see Judah-Tszyu 2 instead of Tszyu-Hatton in summer of 2005?

[gilgamesh]

Interesting to ponder how this match may have changed at this point. As we know Judah still had a few more big accomplishments in him, but Tszyu's career came to a halt after the Hatton bout in 2005. You can't say that Tszyu looked "shot" against Hatton or anything like that though. He fought a good fight all the way, he just got stopped at the end.

Judah is an entirely different style matchup than Hatton, and a style that Tszyu always did well against. I think Tszyu would've knocked Judah out again, but it would've been a lot harder this time. Maybe the 8th or 9th round in a fight that he was either behind or dead even on the cards in.

Judah would've known this time how dangerous Tszyu was, and would've been on high alert, but I still think Tszyu is the better fighter at the end of the day.

[2128778]

Interesting to ponder how this match may have changed at this point. As we know Judah still had a few more big accomplishments in him, but Tszyu's career came to a halt after the Hatton bout in 2005. You can't say that Tszyu looked "shot" against Hatton or anything like that though. He fought a good fight all the way, he just got stopped at the end.

Judah is an entirely different style matchup than Hatton, and a style that Tszyu always did well against. I think Tszyu would've knocked Judah out again, but it would've been a lot harder this time. Maybe the 8th or 9th round in a fight that he was either behind or dead even on the cards in.

Judah would've known this time how dangerous Tszyu was, and would've been on high alert, but I still think Tszyu is the better fighter at the end of the day.

I appreciate your analysis.

Yes, I think Tszyu fought Hatton much better than a lot of people give him credit to. Granted, he was past his very best. But if that same version of Tszyu would've fought, say, Cotto that spring of 2005 - I could actually see Tszyu looking way better and maybe even winning. Hatton just presented a tough style for Kostya.

That leads me to agreeing with your take on Tszyu-Judah 2. Judah would've probably been favoured by bookies (just as was the case prior to their 2001 clash). But like you said, Tszyu could've always been Zab's cryptonite. Plus, moving up to 147 might've helped KT physically.

As I looked through old news archives, I found that Judah was openly offering Tszyu a rematch. But that was already post Tszyu-Hatton. Tszyu was actually planning to move up to 147, after Hatton. And gave a verbal agreement to Judah's invitation. Nothing came to fruition, though. Judah would lose to Baldomir. Tszyu will never come back.

Would your take on Judah-Tszyu 2 change, if their rematch happens after Tszyu's loss to Hatton? Or you see it all the same way you described?

[gilgamesh]

It's worth noting that both times Kostya was beaten was by pressure fighters who were able to get inside on him, and nullify the power on his right hand. Anyone that fought him at a distance he'd usually get his range zeroed in at some point, but when you pressured him up close and smothered him you could take away his right hand power.

Zab isn't that kind of fighter.

Miguel Cotto on the other hand, maybe I could see him doing that. Especially in 2005 and him being the younger man by about 10 years or more....but that's another conversation for another thread

[2128778]

It's worth noting that both times Kostya was beaten was by pressure fighters who were able to get inside on him, and nullify the power on his right hand. Anyone that fought him at a distance he'd usually get his range zeroed in at some point, but when you pressured him up close and smothered him you could take away his right hand power.

Zab isn't that kind of fighter.

Miguel Cotto on the other hand, maybe I could see him doing that. Especially in 2005 and him being the younger man by about 10 years or more....but that's another conversation for another thread

I might actually create Tszyu-Cotto thread later

Reason why I mentioned Cotto as someone Tszyu could beat - I thought, Cotto still hasn't peaked at 140. Plus, was getting hurt pretty often at that weight. I could see Tszyu nailing him.

But like you said, that's for another thread :)

Again, thanks for your analysis for Tszyu-Judah.