2006 has been a rough year for former WBA-WBC-IBF welterweight world champion Zab Judah in and out of the ring. And after being yanked up by NYPD Blues last week, his troubles appear to be far from over. It is yet to be fully disclosed as to why the authorities took Judah after a celebrity basketball game at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Judah, 28, was arrested as soon as he got off the court following the celebrity and all-star game, which was part of the Entertainers Basketball Classic.
Cops from the Midtown South Precinct were waiting for him after a woman named Natashia Wright brought the outstanding warrant from Queens court to their attention.
Police approached Judah in the hallway, showed him the warrant, and took him away, the sources said.
He was held at Midtown South overnight, then taken to Queens Family Court on Monday.
It was unclear why the warrant was issued.
Police sources said it was a “money dispute,” but could not elaborate.
There was no answer at Wright’s home yesterday.
At Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, owner Bruce Silverglade defended his old friend.
“I’ve known Zab his whole life,” Silverglade said. “He’s trained here since he was 7 years old. He’s a really good guy. He doesn’t get into trouble – he likes women, and he’s had some kids, but that doesn’t make you a bad person.”
“It’s just an unfortunate situation,” said Judah’s promoter, Brian Young of Prize Fight Boxing. “Zab’s a fine young man and he’s working to take care of his family.”