Zab’s dad expects no cakewalk

LAS VEGAS – Former world lightwelterweight, welterweight and lightmiddleweight champion Zab Judah’s father Yoel said it won’t be a cakewalk for Manny Pacquiao when he battles WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday night (Sunday morning, Manila time) as he predicted the Filipino to win a close decision. Yoel also offered to work with Freddie Roach in training Pacquiao for future fights, claiming a distinct expertise in honing the skills of southpaws like his son.

Yoel connected with Pacquiao’s camp as his fighter Lydell Rhodes was picked as the Filipino’s chief sparmate in preparing for Timothy Bradley. He operates the Pac Plex Boxing Gym in Brooklyn and works with about 45 fighters. A three-time world kickboxing champion and seventh degree black belter, Yoel made the headlines in 2006 when he entered the ring to floor Roger Mayweather in a melee that marred his son Zab’s fight against Floyd Mayweather. He was fined $60,000 and suspended a year for the intrusion.

“I’m willing to help out Manny in the gym,” said Yoel. “Bradley has three trainers and two conditioning coaches. I respect Freddie a lot and he’s done a great job with Manny. But I might be able to point out things Freddie doesn’t see. Of course, it’s up to Manny and Freddie. I respect Manny a lot, he’s a heckuva guy and a tremendous fighter.”

Yoel said he expects Bradley to counterpunch and try to box his way out of trouble against Pacquiao. “Bradley’s problem is when he throws, he leaves himself open,” he said. “Manny should take advantage of that flaw. Manny has speed and power. He has the ability to knock out Bradley but I think it will come down to a close decision.” If Pacquiao wins unconvincingly, Yoel said it may derail plans to finalize a showdown with Floyd Mayweather. “If Manny knocks out Bradley, I think that will seal a Mayweather fight,” he said. “Who wins between Manny and Mayweather? That’s a different story. I know Mayweather inside out. Let’s talk about that fight when they finally agree to make it happen.”

Yoel said he plans to visit Manila after his son fights in Russia in June. “I’ve told Manny about my interest in going to the Philippines,” he added. “I can bring some of my boys from New York to fight in Manila. I could promote fights over there. I could train fighters, too.”

Yoel said he knocked out Roger Mayweather, a former world champion, during that brawl in 2006. His son Zab appeared to have floored Floyd Mayweather in the second round but referee Richard Steele ruled it a slip. In the fourth, Zab staggered Mayweather. But Zab tired out and by the fifth, momentum had changed. In the 10th, Zab landed a low blow and dropped a rabbit punch, causing Mayweather to hop around the ring in apparent pain. Roger Mayweather, who worked Floyd’s corner, suddenly barged into the ring to confront Zab. Floyd’s adviser Leonard Ellerbe also came in. Then, Yoel entered and slugged Roger, creating a full-blown riot.

“Zab was looking to box Floyd but after hurting Floyd, got tired trying to take him out,” said Yoel. “I thought Steele didn’t do a good job. I know he was like a surrogate father to Floyd.” Mayweather wound up beating Zab by a unanimous decision with Glen Hamada scoring it 119-109, Dave Moretti 116-112 and Jerry Roth 117-111.

Zab, 36, turned pro in 1996 and has won the IBF/IBA/WBO lightwelterweight, IBF/WBC/WBA welterweight and IBC lightmiddleweight titles. A lefthander like Pacquiao, he reigned as IBF lightwelterweight champion in 2000-01 and made five successful defenses. He was unbeaten in his first 25 outings and now has a 42-9 record, with 29 KOs. Zab has lost three of his last four fights. Among those who have beaten Zab were Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Cory Spinks and Kostya Tsyzu.