How false documents led to Zab Judah's latest fight cancellation
Former world champion Zab Judah and promoter Roy Englebrecht were both placed on immediate suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for “providing the commission with false licensing documents” just one day before the CBS Sports Network was set to launch the “Knockout Night At the D” series with Judah as the headliner against Josh Torres. The event was subsequently canceled due to the last-minute discovery.
Yahoo Sports confirmed with NSAC executive director Bob Bennett that there was an “egregious” inaccuracy on licensing documents, which can be found online on the NSAC website.
Although Bennett cannot confirm exactly what the mishap on the documentation was due to pending litigation, multiple sources have pointed to a potential lingering child support issue being the cause. Page two of the licensing application asks whether the applicant is on court ordered child support.
Judah and Englebrecht — who is rumored to have filled out the application on Judah’s behalf — were placed on a 10-day suspension and have a hearing scheduled for March 23 with the commission and that will be when the complaint against them will be outlined. Bennett suggested that punishment could come in the form of Judah having his license revoked, but he is not in danger of a lifetime ban.
“I received multiple calls from the Nevada Athletic Commission regarding eligibility concerns,” Derek Stevens, CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC, said about the cancelation of the event. “After our discussions, it became apparent the fight card could not move forward. Although I'm disappointed with the situation, I appreciate the phone calls and look forward to working with the Nevada Athletic Commission on future boxing events at the DLVEC.”
As far as comebacks go, it just doesn’t seem meant to be for the former five-time world champion. This marks the fourth time a Zab Judah fight has been canceled in the past six months.
The 38-year-old Judah (42-9, 29 KOs) hasn’t fought since losing to Paulie Malignaggi back in December 2013. He signed with promoter Greg Cohen but failed to ever make an appearance in the ring. Last September, Judah was scheduled to face Hevinson Herrera in New York but a scuffle at the weigh-in resulted in Herrera pulling out of the fight with an injury. Another fight was booked for Judah last November in Las Vegas but it was scrapped when there were issues finding an opponent. Then, in February, Judah was slated to face Virgil Green in Iowa but pulled out after he and Cohen had a falling out that led to Judah splitting with the promoter.
But this instance may be accompanied by a stiff penalty if things don’t go his way at the March 23 hearing.
