Eddie Chambers Returns to the Lions Den Confident of a Title Shot

Risk vs. reward; arguably the most commonly asked question and important factor for a fighter in taking or passing on a bout. The most money for least risk is sadly the status quo for boxing; unlike in the 1980’s where fighters like Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran took on all comers. The “heftiest paycheck for the least substantial opponent” era of boxing has been frustrating, especially for hardcore pundits who want to see the best meet one another in the squared circle.

“Boxing isn’t what is used to be”, said the legendary Johnny Bos, who was the matchmaker for countless big promoters as well as the right hand man to former world champion Joe Gamache. “Promoters nowadays promote fighters, not (making exciting) fights. They (the promoters) look at it that if their guy loses, they are out of the picture.”

The notorious Sven Ottke, fellow retiree Dariusz Michalczewski and current WBO Light Heavyweight champion Zslot Erdei are three of the many men who fall into this infamous category. With gargantuan fan bases, impressive television ratings and heavy marketing, the aforementioned Euro stars typically took the easiest bouts available while fighting in the friendly confines of their hometown. This is largely because of oblivious fans that disregard that they were fighting inferior competition instead of the elite. This mentality cost them mainstream respect as each of them turned down potentially career defining fights in the United States with the best our country had to offer.

Enter “Fast” Eddie Chambers, the Anti-Michalcewski-Ottke-Erdei. While the undersized Philadelphia based Heavyweight did build his record in the City of Brotherly Love, he does not have a single notable bout with home court advantage since entering contender status 2 ½ years ago. Like fellow Philadelphian Steve Cunningham, Chambers had to hit the road before he could his opponents.

His hiatus from Philadelphia initially saw him fighting domestically, lacing up in New York, Nevada and Washington State. Chambers’ unbeaten record was still in place following his road trip, stopping then unbeaten Derric Rossy and pulling out skillful decisions over heralded heavyweight Dominick Guinn as well as 2000 US Olympian Calvin Brock.

The victory over the dexterous Brock raised his professional ledger to 30-0 while putting him in the finals of a four man Heavyweight tournament against unbeaten Alexander Povetkin of Germany. With Povetkin having an abundance of press and a strong fan following, Chambers stamped his passport and headed to Germany. While he didn’t think twice about traveling overseas for a greater opportunity, Chambers’ trip ended unsatisfactory.

After a strong start where he beat the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist to the punch, Chambers quickly cooled down and dropped a clear decision. Chambers not had an L:1 on his record but missed out becoming a mandatory challenger to universally recognized Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.

“I just lost my concentration”, Chambers said of his disappointing loss to Povetkin. “I was handling him early on and started to have fun in there so I slacked off in the end of the fight. My preparation might have caused a problem, not that I wasn’t ready but (because) I actually over prepared. The (Povetkin) fight is behind me and I am ready to move on.”

Chambers has since rebounded with four straight wins. His most notable victory came via a well deserved majority decision win over onetime title holder Samuel Peter in Los Angeles this past March. Although he was not dominant against the clubbing Nigerian, Chambers got the job done with his quick hands and effective guard, which helped him avoid Peter’s thunderous blows. The victory landed an eliminator bout with unbeaten contender Alexander Dimitrenko, 29-0 (19 KO’s), in Germany. Chambers vs an unbeaten, well regarded house fighter in Germany, with the winner facing Klitschko; sound familiar?

Fighting on the 4th of July is unheard of in America, with all of the country celebrating Independence Day alongside those who matter most. While he won’t be gilling in the back yard or enjoying the annual festivities, Chambers knows he must bring the fireworks with him to beat the favored Dimitrenko.

“I have to get off to a good start, its vital”, said the number 5 rated Heavyweight by Ring Magazine. “I have to step on the gas the entire night and (force him to) fight at a pace he isn’t used to.”

With Germany seemingly known in boxing as the capital of bad decisions, any road fighter who travels there must do wisely. From neutral judges and a credible referee, the opponent must take the necessary precautions to make sure he is not the next Robin Reid or Charles Brewer to Ottke. Although Team Chambers and Promoter Dan Goosen are working on landing a fair judge and officiating crew, Eddie isn’t the least bit worried.

“I don’t want to leave it to the judges and if it does, I want to beat him so bad that the judges will have a ton of explaining to do.” I am out to destroy him and with all due respects to his ability (he is a good fighter and can be top in the future) this is my time and I plan to take complete control”. Whether it is in 1 or 12 rounds, I’ll be the winner.”

Perhaps this 4th of July will not only provide the excitement of fireworks but also America’s future Heavyweight champion.