BOXING legend Zab Judah named famed body puncher Micky Ward as his toughest ever opponent.
Judah held titles in two weights during his career and faced the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan and Miguel Cotto.
Former world boxing champion Zab Judah
Micky Ward was a famed body puncher
But it was Ward – who inspired the Oscar-winning film The Fighter – who Judah rated as the most gruelling.
And the American’s trademark body shots still live long in the memory for Judah, who won the fight on points.
He told OLBG: “Micky Ward was my toughest opponent because I was 15-0, fighting a legend, and he had a body punch that would stop a donkey.
“He was no joke. I never had to use my mind capacity the way I had to use it in the Ward fight.
“That was hard. I’ve been fighting my whole life, there’s nothing physically hard for me.
“But I never had to use my brain and mind capacity as I did in the Micky Ward fight.”
Judah, now retired, was beaten by boxing icon Mayweather in their 2006 IBF title fight.
The bout will forever be remembered for the all-out brawl during round ten following a low-blow from Judah.
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Mayweather’s uncle and coach Roger – who sadly died in 2020 – stormed into the ring sparking the mass melee.
Judah went on to lose on the cards but what is not as well remembered is the phantom knockdown he scored in fight.
As Mayweather leaped in with a lead right hand, he was met with a check hook and his glove touched the canvas.
It should have been ruled a knockdown but instead the referee deemed it a slip.
Judah, 45, later patched things up with Mayweather, 46, and they became training partners and friends, as he let the knockdown go.
He said: “It was a knockdown, but it doesn’t bother me because people know what they saw.
“I don’t care what the scoreboard or stats say, you cannot fool people’s eyes.
Floyd Mayweather after defeating Zab Judah in 2006
“The world knew what they saw. Floyd was tremendous and is in a great situation in life right now.
“He can take that perfect Mayweather unbeaten record and run it up with celebrity fights. He’s doing a brilliant job with it.
“Floyd is one of the top guys I’ve had the opportunity of sharing the ring with; fast, great defence, ring smart and it was a great night, but we showed up that night. Team Judah.”
It was a body shot from Khan that crippled Judah in 2011, but the New Yorker still protests that it was low.
And despite losing all four of the rounds on the official scorecards before the KO, Judah believes he was in control.
He said: “I feel like the fight was a cheat, I got hit in the balls and I went down. I was winning the fight. I think I was cheated out of that fight.
“Amir Khan acted like a swell gentleman after the fight, he did nothing wrong and performed and behaved as he should. He won the fight and moved on.
“To this day me and Khan are friends and when we see each other there’s good energy, from time to time we shout each other out on a call on WhatsApp, there’s nobody I fought who I have a problem with.”
Amir Khan beat Zab Judah in 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits to boxing?
Boxing offers many health benefits. For starters, boxing helps build strong muscles and bones. It enhances your coordination as well as reflexes. It can also improve your heart and lungs. Boxing doesn’t need any special equipment. You can use anything you have lying around the house.
What are the 7 punches of boxing?
There are seven boxing punches. They include jab and cross, hook and uppercut, straight right and left hook, as well as body shot. These punches can be used to strike the opponent’s head and body.
Where should I shop for boxing equipment
There are many online places where you can purchase boxing equipment. These include Amazon, eBay and Walmart. If you’re looking for cheap boxing gear, then you might want to check out discount stores like Ross or TJ Maxx.
Look into reputable brands like Warrior and Golden Glove if you are looking to buy quality boxing gear.
How can a beginner learn to box at home?
Boxing is one the oldest known sports. Boxing was developed in ancient times to train warriors for fighting against foes. Today, boxing is widely practiced all over the world. Boxing is not something you need to do in a gym. You will need some gloves, punching bag, and some friends to spar.
You can also find local amateur boxing clubs where you can join and get trained by professional coaches. After mastering basic punches, combinations, and other skills, you can compete in tournaments.
How much weight should you lift while working out?
For strength improvement, weight lifting is an essential part of your fitness routine. When lifting weights, there are some guidelines that you should follow. First, make sure that you don’t overdo it. Second, try to lift heavier weights every other day. Third, repeat each exercise eight times. Fourth, allow for 2 minutes rest between sets. Fifth, you can do all the exercises without using momentum. And lastly, put more emphasis on form than speed.
How long does it take to learn to box?
Boxing is one among the oldest martial arts known. China is where the first known boxing match took place in 2200 BC. Boxing has been practiced over thousands of year. Boxing is still a popular sport among celebrities and athletes. It takes approximately 10 months to master boxing.
Because boxing involves so many movements, it is slow to learn. To be able to perform each movement correctly, certain muscles are required. It takes time to train these muscles.
You can learn how to move your body and then you can begin practicing any type boxing technique. As you get more proficient at each technique, you will be able to improve your skills.
What is Boxing, exactly?
Boxing is a sport that involves two people who try to knock each other out by hitting them in the head and face. Boxing is about hitting an opponent as hard possible, without inflicting any injuries. For this to happen, both boxers have to be able and willing to throw punches at a high rate of speed. They should also have excellent hand-eye coordination.
Statistics
- It is just like normal sparring with a partner, but you want to throw punches at 75% of your normal speed. (wikihow.com)
- You want to be running at roughly 75-80% of your top speed..5 mile slow, easy recovery jog at the end.[6]X Research source 2Mix in long runs, shadow boxing, and short sprints on non-interval days. (wikihow.com)
External Links
en.wikipedia.org
amazon.com
- Amazon.com: Ringside Diablo Wrestling Boxing Shoes : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
- Amazon.com – Sanabul Boxing Gloves Elastic 180 Inch Red : Outdoors & Sports
How To
How to box for training
How to learn how to box for Exercise
Boxing is a sport that improves self confidence and physical fitness. Boxing is one the most loved sports in the world. It requires strength, speed, agility, stamina, coordination, balance, power and accuracy.
Boxing is an excellent way to lose weight and feel great about yourself. You’ll enjoy it so much, you’ll want more.
There are many kinds of boxing programs. You can choose to train in a gym or at home. Others require that you go to a health club. There are also online courses which allow you to study from anywhere in the world.
Be sure to consider your goals when choosing a program. Also, ensure it fits your lifestyle. The best programs will include exercises that help build muscle mass and flexibility, improve cardiovascular endurance, enhance well-being, as well as increase overall wellbeing.
It is important to consider whether you would prefer a beginner’s or an advanced course. Beginner’s programs usually teach basic techniques and drills such as shadowboxing, sparring, mitt work, and punching combinations. Advanced programs usually cover more complicated movements and offer more options.
These programs are generally less expensive than $100 and last for eight weeks. They don’t offer any advice on nutrition, weight loss or injury prevention.
Advanced programs generally last around six months and cost approximately $300. They may include nutritional advice, stretching, warm-up exercises and instruction on proper technique. Some programs include resistance training such as lifting weights and aerobic conditioning such as running.
