18 years ago

Date: 8th April 2006

Venue: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: IBF & vacant IBO World Welterweight Titles

Promoter: Top Rank

Tv: HBO PPV

Zab Judah
( 34 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 145½ lbs

Floyd Mayweather Jr
( 35 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 146 lbs

On April 8, 2006, the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas was filled with boxing fans eager to see the IBF and vacant IBO world welterweight title fight between Zab Judah and Floyd Mayweather Jr. The atmosphere was electric as both fighters entered the ring. Judah, defending his IBF welterweight title for the second time, was the hometown favorite. Mayweather, however, was the more accomplished fighter, having won titles in three weight classes prior to the fight.

The first few rounds were closely contested, with both fighters exchanging punches and trying to find an opening. Mayweather seemed to be getting the better of the exchanges, landing more accurate punches and avoiding most of Judah's counterattacks. However, in the 10th round, the fight took a controversial turn. Judah landed a low blow on Mayweather and then followed it up with a punch to the back of his head, which sent Mayweather to the canvas.

Mayweather's camp was outraged by the incident and the referee, Richard Steele, took a break to consult with the ringside officials. After a few minutes, the fight resumed and Mayweather regained his composure, landing a flurry of punches that staggered Judah. The fight continued until the final bell, with Mayweather emerging as the victor by unanimous decision.

The controversy surrounding the fight continued after the final bell. Judah's low blow and subsequent punch to the back of Mayweather's head resulted in a melee between the two fighters and their respective corners. The Nevada State Athletic Commission held a hearing on May 8 and disciplined all the offenders in the brawl. Yoel Judah was fined $100,000 and had his license revoked for a year, Leonard Ellerbe was fined $50,000 and suspended for four months, and Zab Judah was fined $350,000 and had his license revoked for a year.