‘Lucky Lefty’ catches a break

Zab Judah likes to refer to himself as "Lucky Lefty."

But the former welterweight champion didn't think fate was in his corner in late April when he suffered a gash to his right arm that forced the cancellation of his May 31 fight against Shane Mosley.

Judah needed 50 stitches to close the cut after he slipped in the bathroom at the Top Rank Gym and put his arm through a glass shower door.

But he rediscovered his luck when Antonio Margarito gave up his IBF welterweight belt to fight Miguel Cotto, allowing Judah to fight for the vacant title when he meets Josh Clottey on Saturday at the Palms.

Judah will be seeking his fifth world title.

"I feel rejuvenated," the 30-year-old said Saturday at the Palms. "It's like a new beginning."

Judah (36-5, 25 knockouts) last fought on Nov. 17, 2007, winning an eight-round decision over Ryan Davis.

Judah has been living in Las Vegas since and, other than a three-week layoff because of the arm injury, has been working in the gym.

"I've had to train for different styles, but I'm definitely ready," the Brooklyn, N.Y., native said. "I know what it takes to be a world champion, and I know what it takes to stay there. I kind of miss it."

Clottey, a native of Ghana who trains in the Bronx, N.Y., said he won't squander his second chance at a world title. He lost a 12-round decision to then-WBO welterweight champion Margarito in 2006.

"It's time for me to be a champion," said the 31-year-old Clottey (34-2, 21 KOs). "I'm coming to fight, and I'm not going to lose. No way."

• MCCARTER'S NEXT FIGHT -- Las Vegan Layla McCarter said it's getting hard to find opponents, so promoter Frank Luca went to Spain for her next foe.

McCarter will defend her GBU female lightweight title against Loli Munoz of Barcelona to headline a Crown Boxing card Aug. 15 at The Orleans.

"There are a lot of good boxers out there, but they don't want to fight and risk losing," said McCarter (30-13-5, seven KOs), who is also the WBA lightweight champ. "I haven't fought since March, and it's strange to have such a long layoff. I prefer to keep busy."

Munoz (8-4-1) is a former world champion kickboxer who McCarter said is having trouble finding opponents in Spain.

McCarter said she expects a tough fight.

"I've stayed in the gym, but now we've picked it up," she said of her work with trainer Luis Tapia. "I'm not going to take her lightly."

Luca said McCarter's popularity made it possible for him to spend the extra money to bring Munoz to Las Vegas.

"I have a budget for the show, and I had to cut a corner here and a corner there," Luca said. "But we wanted to bring someone who can give her a fight.

"Layla does outstanding in selling tickets in advance, so I'm confident she'll cover our expenses of bringing this girl over from Spain."

• PACQUIAO'S PLANS -- WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao will meet with Top Rank chairman Bob Arum on Tuesday to discuss his next fight.

Possible opponents include Edwin Valero and Humberto Soto, although there is talk of Pacquiao moving up in weight to fight Oscar De La Hoya in December.

"He hasn't indicated to me who he wants to fight," Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said. "I'd like to see him fight Ricky Hatton, but he's probably not available. If it's Valero or Soto, I'd like to see Valero. His style is more exciting, and it would be a good challenge for Manny."

Arum said he still plans to have Pacquiao fight Nov. 15, probably at Planet Hollywood.

• GILBERT HEARING SET -- Reno middleweight Joey Gilbert hopes to settle his disciplinary case with the Nevada Athletic Commission when the panel meets Aug. 12 in Reno.

Gilbert has been suspended since late September for testing positive for several banned substances, including steroids and amphetamines.

Two attempts to reach a settlement with the NAC were rejected, and the commission ruled this month that it will hold a hearing on the matter.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.