The 2006 Floyd Mayweather vs. Zab Judah fight was a chaotic and controversial affair, with the outcome still debated by boxing fans today. In a recent podcast appearance, Judah opened up about his perspective on the bout, arguing that he was hard done by and deserved at least a draw, if not a disqualification. Judah's strong feelings about the fight are understandable, given the events that unfolded in the ring.
Judah believes that his performance in the first five rounds, coupled with the knockdown he scored, should have been enough to secure a draw. He points out that in boxing, a draw is decided when both fighters win six rounds out of 12. However, the fight took an unexpected turn when Mayweather's uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather, jumped into the ring, leading to a brawl that resulted in Judah's suspension. Judah argues that this incident should have been a disqualification, as it is a clear violation of the rules.
The controversial moment that stood out to Judah was a low blow and a shot behind the head he delivered to Mayweather in the 10th round. Judah insists that these actions were not intentional, but rather a result of fatigue and the heat of the moment. Despite his claims, the referee did not disqualify him, and the fight continued. The melee that ensued, involving Roger Mayweather, further complicated the situation.
Judah's suspension after the fight was a strategic move by Mayweather's team, according to him. By making Judah the 'causer' of the brawl, they managed to keep him out of the ring for a year, preventing a potential rematch. This decision effectively ended any chances of a sequel to the highly anticipated fight, as Mayweather had no interest in facing Judah again.
The 2006 bout remains a significant moment in boxing history, not only due to the controversial events but also because it showcased Mayweather's ability to handle pressure and adversity. Despite Judah's strong arguments, the decision to award Mayweather the win stands, leaving fans to speculate about what could have been if the brawl had been handled differently.
