Exclusive Interview with Zab Judah

The Bryguy and his accomplices caught up with former undisputed Welterweight champion Zab Judah recently. He was preparing at Gleasons Gym for an upcoming fight against Ruben Galven on April 13th. We asked him about his layoff, his next opponent, and the potential mega-fight with Miguel Cotto. Of course The Bryguy also got a pic(coming soon).

you've had a long layoff tell us how that's been and talk about you're upcoming fight.

ZJ: The layoff, one year out, of all it was a negative thing to happen. I turned a negative in to a positive you know what I mean? I let my body heal.... after you heal the wound becomes what? Good again, I'm back and the wound is good again.

Obviously every fight is big for you, but how do you not look past this fight to Miguel Cotto?

ZJ:I have a fight scheduled before Miguel Cotto which is April 13th. You can't look past that fight because if you look past that fight there is no Miguel Cotto fight. You know what I'm saying? So you gotta take it one fight at a time. Right now... yeah Miguel Cotto is in the back of my head, but right now I'm focused on April13th, which is Ruben Calvan and right now I'm looking forward to him, I can't wait, I think it's gonna be great.

Judah vs. Cotto how big is this gonna be for your career and for your legacy?

ZJ:I think it's great because it's gonna show my versatility. You know what I'm saying? It's gonna show that I had bad things and negative things done to me,but I came right back to be the champion that I am. A lot of people can't do that. You got guys that win a title one time by mistake and they never get back again, ever again because they don't belong with it. I've lost titles, won titles, lost titles, won titles...so I mean I think I'm at a different era in my life.... I really know what I want to do now. I'm focused and this time around...I just think they made a big mistake putting a young Miguel Cotto, unseasoned against "super" Zab Judah.

Could you talk about the atmosphere here at Gleason's Gym and why it is such a shrine in the sport of boxing.

ZJ:I've been here since I was six years old. I've accomplished all my great things in boxing, I accomplished it right here. Golden Gloves championships, to the olympics, to turning professional, to winning state titles, world titles, undisputed titles, I did it all right here at Gleason's Gym. I think it's such a great place to be at as far as boxing because of the atmosphere. It's a brutal place, I must say that it's a brutal place. We have some brutal days in here where people get beat up bad here, but one thing about Gleasons Gym, You're gonna learn. Everybody here is a family. I've known guys here for over twenty something years...and we see each other everyday. So it's almost like a marriage, it's a beautiful thing though. I'm happy, I wouldn't go no wear else.

HEAD TO HEAD

Once again Showtime and HBO are going head to head with big fight cards. This weekend as with most of the weekends Showtime's main event is far superior to HBO's. Showtime has the very evenly matched Manuel Marquez moving up a few pounds to take on the reigning Super Bantamweight titlist Israel Vasquez in what should be a shootout. Over on the other cable network the human wrecking ball Miguel Cotto is facing off a against unknown German Oktay Urkal, in what should be a slaughtering. Usually I am very angry, and would continue to bash the networks and the entire boxing world for airing such big fights at the same time. Today I am a little older, a slight bit more mature, a few beers deeper, and the proud owner of a DVR. These days opposing fight cards just means I will have something to watch while I have a cup of coffee and wish to god I hadn't had that last beer. My hangover feels especially good when someone takes a solid shot, cause hey, at least I'm not that guy. So, on Saturday night when Cotto is slaying Urkal, and Marquez is trading punches with Vazquez, I'll be pounding Bud Lights and looking forward to my morning coffee.

MORE BAD PREDICTIONS

Any one who has ever read my blog knows about my terrible track record. I have a feeling this weekend is not going to improve that.

JAMES TONEY vs. SAM PETER

Bringing in Billy Blanks to help train James Toney seemed to be a big deal for everyone in the Toney camp. Then at the weigh in Toney was a pound heavier than his last fight. I don't think weight matters as long as he's in shape. Speaking of shape Sam Peter has come in to this fight lighter than the first. I see this fight as going similar to the first. If Toney shows up in good condition he should be able to fight circles around Peter. I think Peter is an extremely limited fighter. He's been getting a free pas because he's such a heavy hitter. On the other side of the ring James Toney is one of the most talented fighters in the game today. The harder you try to hit him the easier it is for you to miss. I have only 2 concerns.
1. Toney is 38 years old, and way over his best fighting weight against a young power puncher. Age has a habit of catching up to you over night.

2. Sam Peter has fought him once already. He knows what it's like to be in the ring with Toney. He may come in and really bully Toney and use his size to his advantage. So far no heavyweight has been able to do that.

I decided a long time ago to never bet against two guys. Bernard Hopkins and James Toney. I'm not gonna start now. James Toney will get the decision he should have gotten the first time around. PREDICTION: TONEY UD

JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA vs. TRAVIS SIMMS

This is going to be the fight of the night. I am a very big fan of Jose Rivera and am glad to see him getting some exposure on Showtime. This is a dangerous fight for "El Gallo". Simms is an undefeated southpaw with solid boxing skills. Simms and Rivera have one common opponent, Alajandro Garcia. "Terrible Travis" KO'D Garcia in round five on a punch when breaking. Garcia should have been protecting himself, but it was still a cheap shot in a close fight. Rivera knocked Garcia down five times in a absolute boxing clinic. Rivera has fought the much better opposition and Travis is coming off of a two year lay off. I'm still nervous of Simms being able to box and use his southpaw style to give Rivera trouble. In the end I think Rivera wants it more and should be able to pull out the victory. PREDICTION: RIVERA UD

THE BRYGUY'S 2007 WISHLIST

First off I would like to say I'm pretty happy with 2006. I got to see my first big fight, Hatton Collazo at the Banknorth Garden. I was able to see one of my favorite fighters keep progressing and have a great year himself.(Matt godfrey knocked out another undefeated cruiserweight in the first round. Then took a UD in 12 against a proven fighter in Danny Batchelder. I saw my main man B-hop put on a boxing clinic against Antonio Tarver. Last but not least I made some terrible predictions! I hope I can change that in 2007. Probably not, but here goes my wishlist and maybe a few predictions for '07.

Heavyweights:
Just keep plugging along I guess. I like some things about '06, Brewster - Liakhovich, Shannon Briggs mouth, and Klitschko's punch. I hated others, Shannon Briggs actual fight, mandatories, and too many fatties.

1. I would like to see the champions actually fight the champions. I'm sick of seeing bad mandatories get the chance to fight for titles they don't deserve. How many times can you watch valuev fight guys like Monte Barrett? Klitschko vs. Brock? Someone please help me! Am I the only one that can see this going on?!

2. How about more interviews with Shannon Briggs and James Toney. The most entertaining things about the division this year was thier giant mouths!

Cruiserweights:
Is it just me or could this be an exciting division if people would fight each other?

1. How many times do I have to ask? Chris Byrd vs. O'Neil Bell. This could be such a great fight. In a year when this division could've capitalizzed on having a unified champ, they did nothing! Pleas make this happen somebody, I'm begging you!

2. My boy Matt Godfrey should just keep doing what he's doing. I hope he isn't rushed into a title fight. I'd like to see him fight 3 or 4 more times in '07 and maybe get a title fight in early '08.

Light Heavies:
This division is getting some new blood finally.

1. I want to see more of everyone. Paul Briggs, even though he lost to Thomas Adamek twice. Both fights were exciting brawls. Thomas Adamek is set to fight new kid on the block Chad Dawson. I'm going out on a limb and saying Dawson good enough to win. Whoever does I want to see them both more than once this year.

2. I want to see Bernard hopkins get his rematch with Roy Jones Jr. As I said before, this could be a great fight now because both guys have aged. This is a win-win for everyone. Get it done!

3. I would also like to see Calzaghe step up in weight to take on Hopkins. I think Bernard should have the chance to keep Joe from breaking his 20 defense record. Maybe Hopkins could go down to 168 and try for another title.

Middles:
I'll put the super-middle and middle in one group to save time.

1. Let's see more of Joe Calzaghe. I am interested in seeing the Manfredo fight. I think Peter has gotten much better under the tutelage of Freddie Roach and could give Calzaghe a run for his money. Even if he doesn't it will make for a much better fight to watch than Calzaghe - Bika.

2. I would love to see Jermain Taylor move up in weight to fight Calzaghe. Could Calzghe put on a show against another 2000 olympian?

3. Winky and Taylor need to do it again. I thought Jermain pulled off the first fight and Winky is a big cry baby. Either way we need a descisive victory. I think just like in his second fight with Hopkins Jermain will fight better and pull off a UD victory.

4. Edison Miranda and Arthur Abraham need to fight again. This time it needs to be on HBO or Showtime. I've seen most of the fight on youtube and love to see them do it again in America.

Jr. Middles:
This could be one of the more exciting divisions in boxing. Lately they seem like the heavies with people avoiding each other for terrible mandatories.

1. Someone give Jose Antonio Rivera a chance. This guy has been an exciting fighter for quite some time. Every time he deserves a shot against a good fighter for good money some sabotages him. This time the WBC has told him he has to fight a guy who hasn't fought in 2 years(Travis Simms). After he mops the ring with Simms pleas give him another title shot.

2. Oscar and Floyd should fight each other. Oh wait that's already happening. Sweet! I say Floyd wins by UD, but it'll be much closer than people think. I was gonna go with Oscar, but he's on the cover of the new fight night game.

3. Just put fights togther. Mosely, Spinks, Karmazin, Rivera,Mayweather, DeLahoya. I'm not even mentioning the guys that could move up from 147.

Welterweight:
Same thing as the Jr. Middles. Just put good fights together. Ricky Hatton,Migueul Cotto, Kermit Cintron, Zab Judah, Antonio Margarito, Mayweather, the lsit goes on and on.

1. I would also like people to give louis Callazo a chance. He gave Ricky Hatton a run for his money, and was in a barn burner that no one saw against Rivera. He obviously puts on a good show and is willing to fight any of the fighters mentioned above. Perhaps Quintana vs. Callazo.

2. More Andre Berto. I like this kid and like the fact that I have been able to see him so often this early in his career.

Jr. Welterweights:
Now that both Castillo and Corrales have moved up in weight this could be a very good division as well.

1. I would like to see Vivian Harris and Junior Witter get it on.(Fight I mean, you perverts.)

Anything lighter than this should include The Pac-man! I wanna see pacman Barrera II and Jaun Manuel Marquez-Pacman II.

That's enough of that peace!

I'M BACK!

I haven't had a computer so I haven't been blogging. To all three of my faithful readers, I'm back! I will post soon!

THE BRYGUY'S WISHLIST

I decided that instead of complaining about the fact that James Toney got robbed I would make a wishlist. I am not going to harp about the two judges that had the fight 116-111 for Sam Peter. I won't point out how James Toney ducked dogged and slipped his way through Sam Peter's wild punches. What I will do is tell you fights I would like to see most in the heavyweight division.

1. JAMES TONEY vs. CHRIS BYRD
I have been saying this one for a while and I think now is a better time then ever. Both guys are coming off of loses and probably won't get another big fight or title fight. They are by far the slickest trickiest boxers of the big men. I would love to see these two similar heavies fighters square off. I'd give the edge to Toney, but wouldn't guarantee it.

2. SHANNON BRIGGS vs. WLAD KLITSCHKO
This one almost happened. I think the klitschko camp bocked. Wlad has a shaky chin and Briggs is not a wide puncher like Peter, so they wanted a big fight for no risk. That's why they are scheduled to fight "The Boxing Banker" instead. Briggs is now going to fight sergei Liakchovich. That is a tough fight. "The White Wolf" proved he had chin when he went 12 with hard hitting Lamon Brewster to get the WBO belt. Point is I would have liked to see two giants go for the knockout right away. This one wouldn't have gone past 6.

3. LAMON BREWSTER vs. NICOLI VALUEV
I would love to see the spectacle. To see the giant square off against the much smaller heavy hitting Brewster. We know the big man can take Owen Beck, but "what the heck" most heavies could.(get it?) We saw how Lamon hung on and overcame the much more skilled Wlad Klitschko. Could he do it again with a much lager opponent? If so what would Valuev look like going down? The fight would have many question marks and a ton of hype. I would just like to see Brewster in the ring again. He's one of the most exciting current heavies to watch. (unless he's fighting Kali Meehan of course).

4. DAVID TUA vs. SHANNON BRIGGS
This was rumored to be happening over the summer in my neck of the woods, but they never pulled it off. I had said a while ago I would like to see this go down. I don't care if Briggs wins or loses to "The White Wolf", I want this one to happen. Two guys strickly looking for the KO. Both needing the win badly. The two of them having names from long ago. I like it would be like wild west, a straight up shoot out till someone doesn't get up.

5. JOHN RUIZ vs. EVANDER HOLYFIELD IV
I'm just kidding! I don't want to see either of these guys in the ring ever again! I wish they would both retire. I will say though, Holyfield - Oquendo will be a barn burner compared to Ruiz - Oquendo!(The ref stopped the fight in the 11th out of boredom!)

PREDICTION

JAMES TONEY vs. SAM PETER

First of I have to apologize to the four people who read for not blogging in a while. I have moved and haven't gotten a computer yet.

Now let's get down to business. James Toney will be taking on Sam Peter tonight in what could be an interesting heavyweight showdown. As I noted in a previous blog my predictions have not been very good lately. I am hoping that will change from here on out. The reason tonight should be a fun fight to watch is because Sam Peter is a dangerous fighter. No matter how badly he is getting beaten you know he could always land that knock out blow. Unfortunately for him I don't see it happening. James Toney is probably the smartest slickest boxers in the game right now. Sam Peter hasn't impressed me all that much except for the fact he's knocked out a bunch of guys. Those guys aren't on the same level as Toney. The one thing that give sPeter a chance is the fact that Toney can't hurt him. In the Klitchsko fight Wlad was able to back Peter off. James Toney will never knock out Sam Peter, but he will embarrass him by slipping and countering all night long. I think sometimes people get lured in by fighters power. The sport is called boxing for a reason. The much better boxer is James Toney by far. I don't see Peter landing a lucky punch and even if he does Toney head seems to be like concrete. Peter couldn't put the lights out on Wlad Kitcschko, I can't see him doing it to James Toney.PREDICTION: TONEY UD