Boxing Preview: Zab Judah vs. Joshua Clottey

Tonight at The Palms in Las Vegas, ex-two weight world champion Zab Judah will attempt to recapture one of his former title belts but must overcome one of the most avoided fighters in the welterweight division, Johsua Clottey, in order to do so.

While Judah, 36-5 (25), is coming off victories over lesser known veteran opponents Edwin Vazquez and Ryan Davis, it remains to be seen if the Brooklyn based southpaw has rebuilt his once magnificent career sufficiently following a competitive stoppage loss a year ago to the WBA Welter champ of the time, Miguel Cotto.

Facing Judah for the vacant IBF Welter title is Bronx based Ghana native Clottey, 34-2 (20), who toiled for years in Ghana and England before losing to future welterweight world champion Carlos Baldomir by 11th round disqualification in 1999, although it would be another four years before Clottey would find his way to the boxing rings of America.

Once stateside, Clottey made the best of his opportunities, going 11 bouts without a loss before dropping a controversial twelve round decision loss to then WBO Welter Champ Antonio Margarito in 2006.

The 31 year old African got right back on the horse and picked up a dominating win over the late Diego Corrales before overcoming the trio of Felix Flores, Shamone Alvarez and Jose Luis Cruz to earn the opportunity to meet Judah tonight.

Against the world class duo of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Miguel Cotto, Judah started those bouts very strong only to fade as the contests wore on. Against Clottey, “Super” Judah must pace himself, remain composed and avoid getting caught while setting up counter shots.

If he can do that, Judah can once again claim a world title but Clottey will likely bring the kind of pressure that Carlos Baldomir used to unhinge Zab in their 2006 WBC title fight.