Clottey, Judah step into ring for bad-blood match
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WHO: Joshua Clottey (-250) vs. Zab Judah (+195)
WHAT: Fighting for the vacant IBF welterweight title
WHEN: Saturday, August 3 @ 9:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada
This fight has been a long time coming, and those who love betting sports are incredibly excited for these boxing lines. In June 2004, Joshua Clottey took down Lloyd Joseph in a 10-round decision. After the fight, Clottey was asked who he wanted to face next; he said he wanted a shot at Zab Judah and his welterweight title.
Judah didn't appreciate the sentiment, going so far as to seek Clottey out at his gym the following week and challenge him to a fight, right then and there. That sets the stage for what's potentially an action-packed bout on Saturday.
So who do you pick if you're going to bet Clottey vs. Judah?
Clottey (34-2, 20 KOs) is the favorite with -250 internet sportsbook odds. The West African doesn't have the same flair that Judah carries, but he does his talking inside the ring. He'll likely try to wear down Judah, take his time and work with meticulous precision.
Clottey has lost just once in eight years?a 12-round decision in 2006 to Antonio Margarito, despite suffering injuries to both hands during the bout?and appears primed to keep the winning streak alive.
Judah (36-5, 25 KOs) has other ideas, of course. The underdog (+195 boxing line) is desperate, having reached a crossroads in his career.
A loss could wipe him from relevancy on the boxing landscape. A victory will give him one more shot glory. “Super Zab”, however, tends to wilt late in fights. Many critics point out that he generally runs out of gas after the fourth or fifth round.
The stakes are high. The winner takes home the vacant IBF welterweight title and likely will face Margarito in a welterweight unification match (Margarito topped Miguel Cotto in a title fight last week).
I like Clottey in this fight. Judah's only shot is to come out swinging hard and early; otherwise he'll grow tired as he has in past fights. Clottey's jaw is rock-solid, though, and he can withstand the punishment. Once Judah wears down, it's over.
Visit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook for the best odds, props and boxing lines, and swing by the Bettor's Edge daily for hot tips to bet Clottey vs. Judah and other fights.
Boxing odds
To win
Joshua Clottey -250
Zab Judah
Total Rounds
Over 11.5 total rounds -150
Under 11.5 total rounds +120
Final Result
Clottey by KO +145
Clottey by decision +180
Judah by KO +550
Judah by decision +400
Draw +2400
Jack “the Hammer” Howard is new to the MMA handicapping game, but his roots in the sport run deep. He enjoyed a brief amateur career in mixed martial arts and also has some boxing experience under his belt, making him an authority on the subject. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
