By Jeremy Britanak
Kath Duva and Main Events promotions held another great night of pugilism last Saturday evening at the prudential center in Newark Heading the card was former undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah attempting to do the unthinkable and make a comeback to the top of the fight game that he once reined.
At Wednesday’s pre-fight press conference, Zab Judah said he isn’t going to make any predictions and that he and new trainer Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker trained to fight all 12 rounds. With Mike Tyson sitting ringside Judah didn’t need all 12 rounds, as he viciously Ko’ed Kaizer Mabuza (23-7-3) early in round seven to claim the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight crown.
Following a competitive first six rounds, Judah, 41-6, 28 KOs), decked Mabuza with a huge straight left that sent him halfway through the ropes. Mabuza still woozy and staggering had a standing 8 count by referee Sam Viruet, Zab finished like the old Zab by punishing Mabuza before Viruet stopped the fight. “Mabuza was a tough guy “Judah said. This is Zab Judah 3rd straight victory and just put himself in place for a bigger pay day. “Timothy Bradley and Amir Khan are the top of the weight class ill fight anyone if the situation is right” Judah said.
In the televised co-feature, “Marvelous Tarvis Simms outclassed a very game John Mackey over eight rounds. Simms showed world class ring generalship and composure. He controlled the fight with his great movement and straight left hands. Simms, 27-1 (11 KO’s) had Mackie hurt in round 4 and round 7. Mackey, a tough veteran, falls to 13-6-2 while seeing his two fight win streak come to a close. Simms is working his way to a title shot with his second straight win after losing a controversial decision to Allan Green on 5 days notice.
During the early undercard fights, Main Events provided the packed AmeriHealth Pavilion (located inside the Prudential Center) with five bouts featuring local favorites.
Junior Welterweight Jose Peralta of Passaic improved his record to 5 -1 (3 KO’s) with an impressive TKO over Clifford McPherson (2-4-1, 1 KO). Peralta was dominating the fight when McPherson went down after reportedly hurting his hand and didn’t get up.
Five time New York Golden Gloves titlist Shemuel Pagan improved his record to (2-0, 1KO) with a sensational 1st rd KO over Marcos Garcia (0-3) Pagan’s vicious left and right hooks forced Garcia’s corner to throw in the towel just 1:27 after the opening bell.
Hometown favorite Vinny O’Brien of East Hanover earned a TKO in his pro debut over David Navarro (0-1) when Navarro’s corner ended his night by not letting him continue for the 4th round. O’Brien a raw, young and exciting prospect dominated the fight from the bell with his aggressive style. After the stoppage, O’Brien’s mass of fans cheered loudly.
Joseph Crosby (6-1) younger brother to Judah improved his record with an ugly UD win over Greg Hackett (2-6, 1 KO).
Main Events next card is slated for April 9 at the Prudential Center and is headlined by a heavyweight showdown between Tomasz Adamek and Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride.
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