Nevada boxing regulators revoked Zab Judah’s license and fined him $250 000 on Monday, the harshest penalty yet for a melee which broke out at last month’s welterweight title fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Judah was punished for landing a punch to the back of Mayweather’s head in the April 8 IBF title bout and for joining the fracas that ensued when Mayweather’s trainer and uncle, Roger Mayweather, burst into the ring.
The Nevada Athletic Commission also revoked the licence of Judah’s father and trainer, Yoel Judah, and fined him $100 000 for being the second person to illegally rush into the ring and for punching Roger Mayweather.
”He did wrong, Roger did wrong and you did wrong,” Commissioner Joe Brown told Zab Judah. ”You took it to an outrageous level by running in there in the end and punching.”
Brown also noted Judah’s previous six-month suspension and $75 000 fine in November 2001 for throwing a stool and putting a glove to a referee’s chin after losing a fight.
”You are a recidivist in this state. You’ve done this before,” Brown said. ”I believe we’ve got to punish you greater than anyone else here.”
The scuffle broke out after Judah hit Mayweather with a low blow and rabbit punch that left the undefeated boxer buckled over in agony in the 10th round.
Referee Richard Steele later ruled the low blow was unintentional and — after clearing people and debris — he allowed the fight to go on. Mayweather (36-0) went on to win a unanimous decision and was crowned champion.
Before the fine was imposed, Judah (34-4) was to receive a $690 000 payday plus a share of TV pay-per-view revenues.
Judah was unrepentant for joining the scuffle.
”I’m sorry for everything that happened. But if I’m ever put in the same situation again where my father is in jeopardy, I’m going to do the same thing again,” he said.
The commission also fined Mayweather cornerman Leonard Ellerbe $50 000 on Monday and suspended his licence for four months after he jumped into the ring illegally but then acted as a peacemaker despite getting punched.
Mayweather Jr received his guaranteed $5-million soon after the fight ended after tapes showed he stayed in a neutral corner throughout the brawl.
In the April hearing, the commission revoked Roger Mayweather’s licence and fined him $200 000 — his entire take of the purse for the fight. On Monday, it upheld its ruling despite an appeal from Mayweather’s lawyer that the fine was excessive.
Mayweather and the Judahs can appeal to have their licenses reinstated next April, said incoming commission executive director Keith Kizer. – Sapa-AP