Was re-watching Zab-Mabuza last night and was saying to myself that it wouldn't be in Zab's best interests to fight Amir in that same way. Zab was very relaxed in that fight. Too relaxed. So relaxed that if Mabuza was a bit quicker, he probably would've put Zab on his butt more than once. Unless Zab is planning on picking up the pace athletically in that same defensive stance, it would behoove him not to fight like that against Khan. Khan would like nothing more than for Judah to move backwards at a leisurely pace so that he can rip off 4-5 punch combinations as Zab is going backwards. That's the fight Amir wants. Amir's bread and butter is being able to control the offensive tempo of the fight and if Zab fights like he did against Mabuza, Amir will be able to do exactly what he wants. Zab doesn't have to worry about Amir's pressure fighting, or in-fighting. But, he needs to be as offensive-minded as Amir is to be competitive in this fight. Zab's offense was extremely lackluster in the Mabuza fight. He nary landed a hard punch before the TKO. That cannot happen against Khan or Amir will feast on him. Zab has to shoot the straight left and not be afraid to throw his own combos as he's coming forward. If he waits on Amir, and is content on walking backwards, I guarantee you he'll be on the canvas. Guarantee. I just think Zab can't afford to be too defensive minded in this fight if he's going to fight in that posture. It's one thing for Pea to teach him some defensive fundamentals that he might've been missing, but taking away what Zab does best--punch--is more of a hinderance than an improvement. I also noticed that Zab had tons of counter opportunities in the Mabuza fight and did not take advantage of them. I have no idea why either. Maybe he was thinking too much. Maybe Pernell was in his ear telling him to be patient. Whatever it was, he can't let those kinds of opportunities be missed against Amir. There are opportunities to counter Amir, but rather than back staight up when Amir is punching, he needs to slip to the side and counter. Judah also seemed content to clinch with Mabuza when Mabuza got close. This isn't Zab's game. I think Zab needs to fight like Amir's going to fight in this fight. Zab needs to let his hands go straight away, and stand his ground. I just don't want to see a situation where Judah loses it mentally because of a stupid mistake that was completely avoidable. We all saw how frustrated he got when Mabuza got the flash KD and he got that KD because Zab was off balance and backing up. Zab can't afford to have those hiccups against Amir. Lastly, Zab used the triple jab against Mabuza a lot. And it was ineffective. I don't think using that tactic is wise because Amir can just counter. Zab needs to use a solid 1-2 combo, and forget about doubling/tripling an ineffective jab. Zab needs to use his quick jab to set up his power shots, namely the straight left. That's it. Feel free to add/comment.
I disagree. Judah looks unimpressive or uninterested in the Mabuza fight but eventually he won that fight which what matter most. I was surprised when Judah just suddenly caught Mabuza with a big one. I think early in the fight, Judah needs to be relaxed, patient and set-up traps for Amir to land a big one.
Khan is most effective when moving, boxing and countering behind the jab. He is at his worst when boxing of the front foot and initiating the attacks, but this seems to be how he prefers to fight and is when he is most vulnerable. Judah's performance against Mabuza, for me showed he has the attributes and a style that can make Khan look bad. When faced with elusive counter punchers like Kindelan and McClosky Khan falls into the habit of being the aggressor, where he is least effective and most vulnerable. Khan's speed and activity maybe enough to win the majority of rounds and earn him a decision but he will look bad doing it. If Judah can make the ultra quick Khan miss with his new elusive style he could cause an upset by walking Khan into a big shot ad stopping him, just like Mabuza. Though I think it unlikely Judah wins a decision, he'll need more than defense to outpoint such an active fighter as Khan. I am going out on a limb and say Judah pulls off the upset.
Whitaker he toughened up Zab's defense quite a bit, he seems to adopt the stance of floyd some what, the check hook that took mabuza out was almost identical to floyd vs hatton. I see Zab relaying on great defense and counter punches but the speed and anti clockwise movenent of khan may throw his gameplan off. should be a great fight
good point! khan has the heart youth speed Zab has the experience (although he has failed when facing top opposition i.ie floyd,cotto tzysu etc...) im going for a khan win
my money is on khan i think his stamina and work rate will be two much for zab but mccloskey made khan look amateurish boxing off the back foot and zab is bigger better and faster then paul I think both guys prefer it when the other guy comes towards them zab is the more natural counterpuncher whereas amir waits for you to come to him and jabs and flurries as you come in so if i was zab i would box off the back foot and try and counter khan when he overextends on his punches
I think he'd fair better backing up and making khan rush in than standing his ground,khan looked awful against mccloskey when being made to chase him,I think more opportunities would presEnt themself using movement and trying to frustrate amir
That's how I see it also. I think Khan is in for a frustrating night again and unlike McClosky, Judah has the power, speed and counter punching ability to win it.
Mccloskey looked like a slower,less skilled,less powerful version of zab.khan won every round but he was presented with problems and showed some flaws zab would have a better shot of exploiting than mccloskey did.I think Kahn will win a clear decision,zabs output is so low I think he'll just get outworked and not take the countering opportunities.I'll probably stick £20 on a zab stoppage at 11/2 just incase.