Dedicated Judah in perfect shape for Matthysse

The last time Zab Judah made the 140-pound junior welterweight limit was Dec. 12, 2003. But seven years later at the age of 33, Judah made it with ease Friday afternoon, weighing in at 139 for his bout against undefeated Argentine Lucas Matthysse Saturday night at Newark's Prudential Center.

The 28-year-old Matthysse (27-0, 25 KOs) weighed in at 140 for the biggest fight of a career that now is being guided by Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. His step up to meet Judah (39-6, 27 KOs) is the main event on HBO's "Boxing After Dark" telecast and is a WBO and IBF title eliminator.

After spending the past seven years fighting at welterweight and higher, getting back down to the division where he won his first world title posed a challenge for Judah. But he was at the weight three weeks ahead of time in a sign of his newfound dedication to training.

"To come down and be strong is beautiful," Judah said. "I'm so excited. And I trained with fast, powerful guys. I'm ready. I did everything I was supposed to do. In the past, I mixed in lifestyle with training. This time, I did it by the book."

Although this is only the third fight in the United States for Matthysse, his record suggests it would be a mistake for Judah to take him lightly. Of the two fights on his record that didn't end with knockouts, one was won by disqualification and the other was a 10-round decision that marked the only time in his career he was extended beyond four rounds.

Matthysse sparred with fellow Argentinian Sergio Martinez, who is preparing for his light middleweight fight with Paul Williams and is a fast lefthander like Judah. "I will benefit from the experience of working with him," Matthysse said. "Zab's speed will not be an issue. I'm going to hurt him with my body shots."

If he gets safely past Matthysse, Judah should be in the thick of the title picture. Amir Khan and Marcos Rene Maidana are fighting for the WBA title next month, and Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley meet in January with the WBC and WBO belts on the line. But first things first.

Describing Matthysse, Judah said, "He possesses speed and power, but it's my time right now. He's a big guy in Argentina, but this is a whole different ballgame, a different country. Hopefully, we send him back to Argentina on a long plane ride."