Judah files protest with NAC over KO loss to Khan

Former world junior welterweight champion Zab Judah has filed an official protest with the Nevada Athletic Commission over his knockout loss to Amir Khan on July 23 at Mandalay Bay.

Judah, who lost his IBF title to Khan, the WBA champion, was counted out by referee Vic Drakulich in the fifth round after Khan hit Judah in the midsection and sent him to the canvas. Judah claims the blow was illegal and Drakulich did not properly enforce the rules.

NAC executive director Keith Kizer said the protest was received Friday and has been forwarded to the state attorney general's office, which will decide whether to uphold the protest or dismiss it.

"There's very limited grounds for any protest that is based on a referee's decision," Kizer said Tuesday. "The AG's office will look at it, and they'll make the decision."

Judah was trailing on all three scorecards entering the fifth round. With seconds left in the round, Khan hit Judah at the belt line, and Drakulich did not call it a low blow. Judah remained on the canvas as Drakulich counted to 10, with the knockout coming at 2:47.

Judah complained after the fight that he was hit below the belt and eventually filed his protest over the result.

Kizer said he thought the process would move swiftly and a decision on the protest could be reached by the end of the week.