Zab Judah has been a professional fighter for 17 years and two months. And he’s still competitive against good fighters, a deserved feather in his cap.

Just this past April, Judah challenged Danny Garcia for his two junior welterweight belts. Judah lost a unanimous decision, but not before giving Garcia heck at times during their 12-round fight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Garcia, 11 years Judah’s junior, won by scores of 114-112, 115-112 and 116-111.

Judah, who has won world titles in the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions, takes on another former two-division champion – Paulie Malignaggi – on Dec. 7 at Barclays Center (on Showtime). Both fighters hail from Brooklyn.

Judah, speaking during a recent conference call, noted his longevity with pride.

“My motivation comes from the opportunity, the opportunity of still being here 18 years strong, to be competitive against young fighters like Paulie Malignaggi and Danny Garcia, and to still be competing at a high level of boxing,” Judah said.

Most of what Judah said was spot on, but Malignaggi doesn’t quite qualify as a young fighter any longer as he turned 33 this past Saturday.

Judah is 42-8 with 29 knockouts. Malignaggi is 32-5 with only seven knockouts.