Never one to waste an opportunity to make a big impression, Zab Judah has enlisted the support of the United States Armed Forces as he prepares to take on Argentine Knock out artist Lucas Matthysse on Saturday, November 6th at Newark’s Prudential Center.
Part of HBO’s acclaimed “Boxing After Dark” series, the Judah-Matthysse match-up will mark Judah’s second appearance at the Newark landmark as he works his way back to the top of the junior middleweight division. Designated as an NABO Junior Welterweight title bout, the 12-round clash also will determine the number 2 position in the IBF ratings, where the title once held by St. Louis’ Devon Alexander now stands vacant.
Judah has arranged for 200 members of the US Armed Forces to attend the event as his personal guests. In addition, a color guard involving members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, will present the colors during the National Anthem.
“It is going to be an honor to present the colors on November 6th. On behalf of the service men and women that will be in attendance that evening we thank Zab Judah and Main Events Boxing for their generosity and support to the United States Armed Forces”. said Staff Sergeant Derek Bishop.
Judah explained, “In honor of all the heroes who get in the ring and put their lives on the line to defend our country every day, I invited the Armed Forces to join me on Nov. 6th when I take on Lucas Matthysse. He’s from Argentina, you know, so I want as many of my homeboys in the service to be there as possible and give me their support!”
The New York City Joint Service Color Guard is comprised of 8 service members from all 5 branches of the Armed Forces. There are 3 soldiers from the Army, 2 Marines, 1 Sailor from the Navy, 1 Coast Guardsman and 1 Airman from the Air Force. The Soldiers are assigned to the New York City Army Recruiting Battalion out of Fort Hamilton, New York. The Marines are assigned to the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines out of Garden City, New York. The Sailor is from the Navy Operation Support Center in New York City. The Coast Guardsman is assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York located at Fort Wadsworth, New York. The Airman is assigned to the 314th Recruiting Squadron located in Burlington, New Jersey. There are several members of the team who are combat veterans from both conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The anthem singer is a service member as well currently serving in the Coast Guard. There will be other service men and women in attendance as well form all 5 branches all currently stationed in and around the New York and New Jersey areas.
