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Photo by Tom Casino/Golden Boy Promotions
This fight is important because both fighters are veterans who are still vying for high-level competition. As Welterweights, the prospect of a lucrative fight with Floyd Mayweather will always be in the back of their heads.
Zab Judah has already fought Mayweather, and many believe he gave him the most trouble in Mayweather’s career besides Jose Luis Castillo.
In fact, Judah was one of the only opponents who knocked Mayweather down. It was a legal flash knockdown in which the glove hit the canvas, but was neither seen nor called by the referee.
Paulie Malignaggi has expressed his respect for Mayweather, but a fight with him does not seem realistic. Malignaggi needs to do more in the Welterweight division to fight Mayweather.
Also, Malignaggi is arguably one of the best color commentators today. His work with Showtime Sports might be the perfect outlet for someone who loves boxing and wants to stay relevant in the boxing world. Malignaggi is an excellent boxer, but he is also proving to be an even better commentator.
How he reacts to a win or loss to Judah may throw light on his plans for the future.