(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Looking Back: Zab Judah’s Memorable Night at Mohegan Sun, 25 Years Later
On August 5, 2000, Zab Judah delivered one of the most iconic performances of his early career. Headlining Showtime Championship Boxing for the first time, Judah faced Terronn Millett at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. It was a pivotal moment in Judah’s rise and a glimpse into both his extraordinary talent and the challenges that would come to define his career.
A Career-Defining Performance
Judah entered the ring with a growing reputation, fueled by flashy speed and confidence, and the fight with Millett was viewed as his toughest test to date. At stake was a junior welterweight title, and for many, it was a chance to see whether Judah could live up to the early comparisons to boxing greats like Pernell Whitaker.
While he was knocked down in the first round, Judah responded with grit and determination. He bounced back quickly, scoring three knockdowns of his own in subsequent rounds. The bout ended in the fourth, with the referee halting the action after a dominant stretch by Judah.
It was fast-paced, dramatic, and exciting—a signature Zab Judah performance full of heart, athleticism, and crowd-pleasing moments.
Flash, Flair, and Flaws
Judah’s lightning-quick left hand and natural showmanship were on full display that night. He often taunted his opponent, lowered his guard, and threw bold punches from risky angles. It was both thrilling and, at times, reckless—but undeniably entertaining.
After the bout, his trainer and father, Yoel Judah, gave his performance the highest of praise. Zab himself confidently declared that he was on his way to becoming a Hall of Fame-caliber fighter. At just 22 years old and with a record of 24-0 (18 KOs), it wasn’t an unreasonable statement at the time.
The Road Ahead
While Judah achieved plenty in the years that followed—including world titles, high-profile fights, and memorable rivalries—his career also had its share of setbacks. Between 2000 and his final fight in 2019, he amassed a record of 44-10, with 20 wins and 10 losses after the Millett bout.
Fans may remember his dramatic knockdown against Kostya Tszyu, or his competitive performance against Floyd Mayweather Jr., which included an early knockdown that sparked a brief ringside commotion. Judah also went toe-to-toe with stars like Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, and Danny Garcia, showing flashes of brilliance even in defeat.
His biggest triumph came in 2005, when he won the welterweight championship with a decisive knockout win over Cory Spinks. However, that momentum was halted by an unexpected loss to Carlos Baldomir the following year.
A Career Worth Remembering
Despite not always reaching the heights many expected, Judah built a résumé filled with exciting bouts and impressive opponents. His victories over the likes of Lucas Matthysse, DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Micky Ward, and Junior Witter show just how competitive and relevant he was throughout his career.
Even his losses were often against elite competition. And though some may label him an underachiever, Judah’s ability to captivate fans, bounce back from adversity, and compete at a high level for nearly two decades deserves recognition.
Final Thoughts
Zab Judah may not be a guaranteed name for the International Boxing Hall of Fame, but his career was far from ordinary. He brought excitement to every fight, kept fans on the edge of their seats, and always had the tools to change a bout with a single punch.
As we reflect on the 25th anniversary of his electric performance against Terronn Millett, it’s a perfect time to appreciate a fighter who gave boxing some unforgettable moments. Zab Judah’s legacy is one of talent, resilience, and entertainment—and that’s worth celebrating.
