Is Zab Judah Coming Back?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 2:24 AM ET

Two-division champ Zab Judah recently expressed his desire for a showdown with Manny Pacquiao.

Judah, now 48, has been away from the ring since a 2019 stoppage loss to Cletus Seldin, which resulted in a brain injury and subsequent surgery. However, Judah has reassured fans that he is in peak health, claiming that recent CAT scans show his brain is “100 percent healed.” While he remains active in the gym and regularly spars, a professional return for Judah remains a long shot.

Zab’s Mindset

“I always stay in shape. I stay in shape. My body feels good. My weight is still well. I still go to the gym. I work out with guys and I spar. You know, just the thought of taking on a competitive, professional, real fight, I mean, that’s another whole thought pattern… But staying in shape, competing, still sparring, still training, I do all that. We do everything. But to go back in the ring and say Zab Judah vs. Terence Crawford, I don’t know about that,” Judah said

The interest from Judah comes as Pacquiao continues his boxing career. After a four-year hiatus, the 47-year-old returned to the ring in July 2025 to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Pacquiao fought the 30-year-old Barrios to a highly competitive majority draw. While the “Pac-Man” was unable to break his own record as the oldest welterweight champion in history that night, the performance proved he could still compete at a world-class level.

“I thought I won the fight. It was a close fight. He was very tough. I need to continue my training for longer going into a championship fight. Because of the election I started late, but it’s OK. Of course I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud,” Pacquiao stated

Will Zab Return?

Pacquiao’s path back to a world title has hit several roadblocks. Negotiations for a title fight against WBA champion Rolando Romero have collapsed. The WBA recently ordered Romero to face his mandatory challenger, Shakhram Giyasov, forcing Romero to choose between the belt and a “money fight” with Pacquiao.

While Judah’s name would draw interest, the likelihood of a sanctioned fight with Pacquiao is slim. Most commissions would be hesitant to license Judah following his 2019 brain surgery, and Pacquiao’s team remains fixated on either legitimate world titles or a blockbuster rematch with Floyd Mayweather.

“Let’s get it. I turn down nobody, I turn down nothing but collars, that’s on my mama. Me and Manny never fought. We here, I would love to. You got me hyped with that Manny Pacquiao-Zab Judah s–t. That sounds like something. It’s a good idea. We ain’t lacking over here, baby. Where Manny at? You put a n—a name on the contract with mine and watch what happens. You already know how I get down,” Judah said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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