Are the Klitschko’s dodging “Fast” Eddie Chambers?

[PHILADELPHIA BOXING REPORT]

Are the Klitschko’s dodging “Fast” Eddie Chambers?


Philadelphia’s “Fast” Eddie Chambers 33 – 1 put together a beautiful winning streak of 29 fights entering his IBF eliminator match with Alexander Povetkin back in January of 2008. The winner would have the opportunity to face the younger half of the Heavyweight divisions self anointed two headed monster. After coming out strong and easily handling the less experienced Povetkin, Chambers let the fight slip away in the later rounds. It was the first time Chambers had ever fought outside the United States, and even he admitted he was a bit overwhelmed by the whole event. Why a fighter that was 29-0 even had to travel to Germany to fight a less experienced fighter with a record of 15 – 0 was beyond the mental grasp of most fight fans. But Eddie stated very clearly that if he was given any opportunity at a big fight like that again, things would be different. Friday night Chambers held up his end of the deal by capping off a four fight win streak with a convincing victory over Sam Peter.

As for Povetkin, his fight with Klitschko got cancelled due to an injury, so Wladimir thought it would be challenging to face “retread” Hasim Rahman. Chambers lobbied very hard to take Povetkin’s place, but it didn’t seem like Klitschko wanted any part of it. The two headed monster is being a bit two faced when it comes to facing real American Heavyweight competition. Legitimate questions need to be asked. The first and most important is, what has David Haye ever done, to deserve a shot at a Heavyweight title? Guys like Chambers have fought at Heavyweight all their career’s, banging it out for a shot at the top spot, while Haye hires some PR team to lobby him a top spot and a shot at the Heavyweight title. It is almost as if all those guys in Europe are pissed that the Americans have owned the Glamour division for all those years, so now they are going to punish legitimate contenders, and reward guys like Monte Barrett and Hasim Rahman.

Chambers fights hard for a crowd, always doing enough to win. He shows discipline against the bigger punchers, using his jab like Willie Pastrano, and leaning out of trouble, then throwing multiple counters like Ali. His speed is unmatched as a Heavyweight. Back in 2006, Chambers and Philly fighter Chazz Witherspoon took a ride up the turnpike to spar with Wladimir Klitschko during preparation for his fight with Calvin Brock. I asked Klitschko’s trainer Manny Stewart about Witherspoon and how he fared against the big man. Manny simply replied, “Witherspoon is a good young fighter. He needs some work, but he will get there. But Eddie chambers, he is something else. He gave Wladimir some problems. He fights much bigger than he is.” That statement says a lot. These days the two headed monster seems more interested in holding their titles and padding their bank accounts, then facing stiff young American competition.
Chambers has earned his shot. The Klitschko brothers should be looking his way, instead of looking at David Haye or Juan Carlos Gomez. As fans we are all embarrassed by the fight choices they have made, and as Americans, we ask why they are not facing our real fighters. Another important question that needs to be addressed is. What exactly did Vitali Klitschko do to deserve a shot at Sam Peter, after being laid off for 4 years? Again, this is another example of European champions trying to keep the division closed off.

As American fans of the Heavyweight division, a message needs to be sent. I will not fault Vitali Klitschko for fighting Oleg Maskaev if he is forced to by the WBC. Maskaev has won 13 of his last 14 and deserves, it. But after that, they both need to stop dancing, and start fighting. There is a plethora of young American Heavyweight talent waiting on their doorstep, and if guys like Chambers keep winning, one of the three major sanctioning bodies need to step in and step up and do the right thing for the sport. If they keep it in Europe, American fans will be as interested in Heavyweight division, as they are with European football.

[Dave Wilcox]

you act as if he is some feared guy. Trust me, nobody fears Chambers. If somebody decides to not fight him, it would be more so becuase he brings nothing to the table financially or excitement wise..not becuase he is so darn good. :)

[PHILADELPHIA BOXING REPORT]

ok,,if he is featherfisted. Why not fight him? Instead MOnte Barret, Tony Thompson, Calvin Brock and Hasim Rahman?

[Victor]

I agree with you, Dave ... I do not think the Klitschkos are dodging Chambers. Chambers can be deceptive, but I have not been overly impressed with his wins. And his loss to Povetkin reveals crucial flaws.

[Dave Wilcox]

no disrespect intended, but no way in you no where are the Klitschkos dodging the featherfisted Chambers.

Either brother would knock him out imo.