I know how you love Zab. :: I think McGirt wins after an early tactical battle. As McGirt adjusts to Zab's speed and style he would begin to time him and land hard counter shots from both sides. I think McGirt's underappreciated bodywork would be a big factor down the stretch. Zab had the speed and power to be competitive but his workrate and stamina would fail him. Does the fight look any different 140 vs. 147? Buddy had trouble making weight at 140 and tired badly against Taylor(admittedly the bodypunches and pace had something to do with it). Does Zab have a better shot at 140 or 147?
I thought Zab was a live dog in this fight at 140. At 147 I think he gets beaten up. It's easy to look at the Taylor fight and think Zab could do some of the same things but I think it's apples and oranges. Buddy was able to time and counter Taylor but Meldrick's toughness, volume and pace broke him down. Zab can't duplicate that. He punched harder but he'd eat a lot of counters. Buddy wouldn't ice him like Tszyu did but he'd hurt him especially to the body. I won't mention the Whitaker fights because the only place Zab fights like "Pernell with pop" was in his own mind.