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03/10/2005 Archived Entry: "Welterweight Champ Judah Challenges Gatti"
Zab Judah Says ‘I’ll Fight Gatti on June 11’
Undisputed 147-Pound Champion Will Take On Arturo Gatti at Any Weight;Don King Challenges Rival Promoter Main Events to ‘Give This to the Public’
BROOKLYN, N.Y.—Newly crowned undisputed world welterweight champion Zab “Super” Judah has learned that World Boxing Council super lightweight champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti was unable to reach an agreement to fight “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather on June 11 on HBO Pay-Per-View and is calling out Gatti to fight at any weight.
“Arturo Gatti is one of the most exciting fighters in the ring today, and I’d welcome the opportunity to fight him on June 11 at any weight,” Judah said. I’m available anytime, anyplace and at any weight to fight the best fighters in the world.”
Judah’s promoter, Don King, echoed his fighter’s sentiments and took it one step further.
“Zab would love to fight Arturo Gatti, and if that can’t get done he’d be willing to fight Floyd Mayweather, too,” an emphatic King said. “I look forward to discussing this further with Arturo’s promoter Main Events. I know Arturo is courageous, but is he courageous enough to step in the ring with Zab Judah.
“Furthermore, is his promoter willing to pit the courgeous Gatti against the invincible Judah? I’m willing to do it. Are you willing to give this to the public, Main Events?
Gatti (39-6, 29 KOs) had planned to announce his fight with Mayweather (33-0, 22 KOs) had as early as Jan. 29 at the post-fight press conference after Gatti stopped Jesse James Leija in Atlantic City. The fight was unable to be finalized and was scrapped on Friday.
Judah (33-2-1 NC, 24 KOs) scored a ninth-round technical knockout over Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks in St. Louis on Feb. 5 in front of the largest crowd to witness a boxing match at an indoor arena (22,370) to become the undisputed world welterweight champion.
