Zab Judah sat directly across from me at a round table interview with several members of the press. The interview, conducted the morning of the Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Manny Pacquiao fight, was immediately after Judah and “Sugar” Shane Mosley gave a press conference announcing their upcoming fight at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.
During the press conference, Judah claimed that his previous losses, poor behavior, and general under-achievement were due to either his willingness to fight on short notice or to “circumstances that happened at the time.” According to Judah, he has, at 30-years-old, “grown up” and dedicated himself to boxing and mature behavior.
After several boxing writers reeled off their questions, with several of Judah’s bejeweled entourage forming a half circle behind him, I took my turn.
“Zab, at the press conference you said that your past losses and various difficulties in and out of the ring were due to either taking fights on short notice or other “circumstances.” In this fight (with Mosley), are you saying that no matter what happens, win or lose, there will be no excuses?”
“You know I have never made excuses,” Judah said with a squinty glare, while his glittering minions whooped in praise of him.
Contradictory? Sure. One can’t expect too much too soon. But starting May 31st in the Mandalay Bay ring, Zab Judah has forfeited the right to blame anything or anyone other than himself for what happens in, or out, of the ring.
