Chambers earns shot at Klitschko

“FAST EDDIE” GOT IT RIGHT THIS TIME

Heavy underdog, American “Fast Eddie” Chambers traveled to Hamburg, Germany to administer  a 12 round boxing clinic against highly regarded Alexander Dimitrenko. Many thought Dimitrenko was being groomed as the heir apparent to the ageing Klitschko brothers but he was in for a shock as he simply had no answer for the well schooled Chambers. Chambers was quicker man and the much better technician in this match as he was easily able to time Dimitrenko with pinpoint combinations. Chambers usually enters the ring in the 220 pound range and has appeared a bit chunky. And Chambers came up short in a close bout against Alexander Povetkin last year but he left no stone unturned in his preparation for this fight as he got himself in excellent condition coming in at a lean and ready 208 pounds.

CHAMBERS SHATTERS BIG HEAVYWEIGHT MYTH

It’s no secret that many of today’s heavyweights are massive men. For example, the heavyweight champions ,the Klitschko brothers Wladimir and Vitali are 6’6 and 6’8 and 240 and 250 pounds, respectively. Dimitrenko is 6’7, 255. and there are many behemoths roaming the division. Some have even stated that there should be a new division between 200 and heavyweight, perhaps 220 pounds. But Eddie Chambers debunked the myth in this contest that bigger is better. Wasn’t it amazing that the presumed light hitting Chambers scored 2 official knockdowns and basically walked the Ivan Drago look alike down for most of the fight. Chambers took the fight to Dimitrenko, backing him up and landed at will. I like the sobriquet “Fast Eddie” and I say another appropriate moniker would be “Smooth Operator.” Chambers is smooth, relaxed and very comfortable in the ring. I think he presents a tough night for ANYBODY.

CHAMBERS ONE JUDGE AWAY FROM GETTING THE SHAFT

Judge Paul Thomas come up with the outrageous score of 113-113 for this bout. Chambers not only scored 2 knockdowns but won at least 8 rounds. That is an obscene card and I believe some investigation and ultimately a permanent suspension for Mr. Thomas is in order. He’s either corrupt or incompetent so either way he shouldn’t judge again. Can you imagine if another judge rendered a score like that?

GOOSSEN HAS 2 BEST AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHTS

Promoter Don King has for many years had a virtual monopoly on the best American heavyweights. I wouldn’t say Dan Goossen has a monopoly but he does happen to promote two of America’s best heavyweight hopefuls. Goossen currently calls the shots for Chris “the Nightmare” Arreola and Chambers. Both of these men are targeting the Klitschko’s so a match between them will not happen in the near future. I think many people thought Arreola was the best we had to offer but we may have to rethink that supposition. Chambers has been telling everyone that he was America’s best hope without much agreement but it’s reasonable that more people are now going to believe him. I’ve been one of Arreola’s biggest supporters but based on recent form I’d tip Chambers.  But the good thing is that they can raise the bar for the other and it is my understanding that Arreola has done a revamping with his training regimen. So we’ll see how he looks next time out. Perhaps he’ll look the better guy in his next fight.

IS CHAMBERS THIS DECADE’S CHRIS BYRD?

There are some legitimate comparisons between Chambers and Chris Byrd in his prime. They are both small heavyweights with top shelf skills and superior defense. Chambers still has a way to go but I think he has a better upside than Byrd. I think he’s a sharper puncher and I believe he’s further along than Byrd was when he was 27. Byrd did seem to struggle more against the real monsters of the division but I don’t think Chambers will have those same type of troubles.  Chambers has a certain sturdiness about him that I don’t think Byrd had.

“FAST EDDIE” IS THE GOODS

I picked Chambers to win this fight because I recognize his ability and knew Dimitrenko wasn’t the type of workhorse of a Povetkin and that Chambers would be able to work at his pleasure.  I’m often a fan of the rugged, grinding type of fighter (like a Librado Andrade) but I can appreciate different styles and I hold Chamber’s in very high regard. He’s hard to hit and hurt and he has legitimate speed. And I think he’s a bit better puncher than some believe. He’s not a Tysonesque puncher but he’s no Buster Mathis Jr. either. He has pinpoint accuracy along with speed and leverage. And the shots that people don’t see will have an effect.  Ask Dimitrenko.

CHAMBERS GETS NEXT?

With this win Chamber’s has become a mandatory challenger for Wladimir Klitschko’s WBO heavyweight crown. And Chambers deserves the shot. He worked his way up fighting progressively better people. He lost a fight to Povetkin for the right to fight for the title but he got right back in the ring and earned his way back. He beat dangerous former champion Sam Peter in his penultimate fight and with the win over Dimitrenko, Chambers is poised for his challenge of another giant.  Can Chambers topple another giant Ukrainian?  Hopefully, we'll find out later this year.