Judah attempts to become World Champion

Judah attempts to become World Champion

By Michael Gales Apr 3, 2013

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Boxing betting at Pinnacle Sports sees big-punching Danny Garcia as the huge 1.174* favourite to defend his light welterweight titles against Zab Judah who is the 5.800* underdog to snatch the title, on April 27th.

Garcia Favourite to Defend Titles

Undefeated light welterweight champion Danny Garcia (25-0, 16 KOs)is the overwhelming 1.174* favourite to beat Zab Judah and hold on to his light welterweight titles.

Garcia has a solid amateur background with over 120 fights and was crowned the 2006 US national amateur champion.

The Philadelphian has quick hands, good fundamentals and solid durability. Unlike most young fighters Garcia is comfortable fighting on the back foot, as he waits for an opportunity to unleash the big power shots.

The 24-year-old will look to remain disciplined against Judah. When he throws he has a tendency to punch wide of his body, which will leave himself open to counter punches.

Veteran Judah Aims to Roll Back the Years

This fight will likely be veteran Zab Judah’s last chance at winning another world title and the challenger is a big underdog of 5.800* to emerge victorious.

Judah will have a large following, as the fight will be held in his hometown of Brooklyn.

The 35-year-old veteran holds a record of 42-7, 29 KOsand is a three-time light welterweight champion, with his first fight for a title coming over a decade ago.

Judah is a boxer who utilizes his fast hands, slick defensive skills and power. His weakness is his ability to lose focus, which has left him in trouble down the years.

However as his age has begun to catch up with him his reflexes and speed are beginning to slide, while he has always had a suspect chin.

The Brooklyn brawler can be an inconsistent performer; however being at the top of his game for over a decade is a statement of his quality.

Form Suggests Zab Is Struggling

The formbook highlights that Judah is declining, while Garcia is yet to reach his pinnacle.

The veteran’s last big win was a close points’ victory against Lucas Matthysse back in 2010 with many ringside thinking he lost despite claiming the vacant WBO welterweight title.

In honest the last time Judah won at elite level was when he stopped Cory Spinks way back in 2005.

Since that fight he has lost five times against world-class opposition, with the last three ending before the final bell.

In comparison Garcia is riding the crest of a wave after defying the odds against Amir Khan and knocking him out in the fourth round to claim both light welterweight titles, and then defending them by knocking out Erik Morales in the same round.

Key Fight Statistics

Garcia will enter the ring with a reputation as a big puncher with the ability to knockout his opponents.

Garcia’s knockout percentage is at an impressive 64%, while on average his bouts last 5.12 rounds, with 16 finishing before the final bell.

Judah in comparison has a knockout percentage of 56.8%, while his fights last on average 5.78 rounds, however the veteran has boxed in 167 (295) rounds more than the champion.

Judah has been labeled as a weak chin – he has been knocked out in three of his seven defeats – and will be susceptible to Garcia’s big bombs unless he boxes at distance.

Garcia (5’8) has a slight height advantage over Judah (5’7), however the challenger holds a 4cm reach advantage.

Also worth noting is that Garcia has never faced a southpaw fighter with the experience and ability of Judah.

In his two fights against recognised southpaw boxers Garcia won both, the first a points decision in 2008 against Julio Gamboa, and the second a knockout win against Oscar Leon in 2009.

Final Thoughts

Judah will no doubt aim to use his speed and slick style to make Garcia miss from distance, and look to frustrate the champion while Garcia will be looking to land a knockout punch and put pay to Judah’s title ambitions.

Will the fight follow the bookmakers script in favour of Garcia or will the champion be left without his titles and his undefeated record shattered?

Click here for the best Garcia vs. Judah betting odds.

*Odds subject to change

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