Boxing Preview: Alexander Povetkin vs. Eddie Chambers

© Jan Sanders / Goossen Tutor Promotions

“Fast” Eddie Chambers doesn’t just carry his own hopes of world glory in to ring tonight, Saturday, January 26, he carries on his broad shoulders the expectancy of an entire nation.

As we all know, the American’s once dominated a division that was seen as the glamour weight class and it’s top prize, the undisputed heavyweight title, was the most sought after and lucrative accolade in the whole of sport. Needless to say, as the interest in the sweet science has waned in recent years, the waters in the US heavyweight talent pool has become extremely shallow.

25 year old Chambers, 30-0 (16), aims to take a step closer to putting his nation back on the heavyweight boxing map when he takes on Russia’s Germany based Alexander Povetkin in an IBF final eliminator at the Tempodrom Arena in Kreuzberg, Berlin this evening. He is confident he is up to the task and is not fazed by travelling to the proverbial lion’s den- or in this case the “White Lion’s” den.

“I have seen his (Povetkin’s) fights on TV and they are certainly impressive. But I´m sure I´ll win. I am very mobile. And I don´t think he knows how much power I´ve got.” Chambers told the press earlier this week, “I know the fans will be on his side, but I´m prepared for that. I can take it.

“The winner has a chance to become the next big thing in the heavyweight division. It would be great for the American public for me to become champion, but I have to win first of all for myself, my family and my team.”

Chambers, who grew up on welfare cheques in one of Pittsburgh’s most impoverished areas, has bolstered his preparations for this fight by bringing in the world renowned expertise of Buddy McGirt. He has also had excellent sparring with America’s other highly touted heavyweight, Tony Thompson.

At just 25 years old, the Pennsylvania native is young, at least in modern terms, to be a heavyweight contender but he is no novice. Having turned pro at the tender age of 18, “Fast” Eddie’s career has been brought along in a slow but progressive manner. He has learned his trade on the fly as he has been fed a staple diet of competent clubfighters and former contenders.

Eddie earned his place in the this eliminator when he remained steady, weathered an attacking storm, and, by using excellent counter skills, squeezed through a split decision against former title challenger, and America’s last heavyweight hope, Calvin Brock.

Chambers, who is small for the weight and a little fleshy, does have fast hands but flashy footwork is not part of his repertoire and he has been accused of being of being confident but cautious in the past. The “Fast” moniker then is a little deceptive then and I personally feel “Steady Eddie” would be a more suitable tag.

While Steady Eddie’s career has been brought along at a cautious pace, Povetkin’s has been on the fast track. He only turned pro in June 2005 and has already bested decent opposition in former two time world champion Chris Byrd, Larry Donald and David Bostice, while racking up an unblemished 14-0 (11) slate.

With only 14 professional bouts on his résumé, you could think that Povetkin, who is now calling himself “The White Tiger”, is the less experienced combatant this evening but you’d be wrong. He may have had less fights in the paid ranks than Chambers but the 6ft 2ins puncher from Chekhov, Russia has had a stellar amateur pedigree, which culminated in him adding the 2004 Olympic Super-Heavyweight Gold Medal to the World and European amateur titles he already held, and he is without question the more seasoned operator of the two. The biggest accolade Chambers ever won with the vest on was the Pennsylvania State Title.

The 28 year old Russian’s career best win came last October in the prelude to tonight’s match up when he outboxed Chris Byrd to the extent that the American’s corner threw the towel in after 11 rounds of action. He is expected a much tougher assignment against Chambers.

“I am very confident of success. I expect a very hard fight, much harder than against Chris Byrd. Everything else we will see in the ring.” He said at this week’s press conference.

The bout will be televised on a delayed basis as part of HBO’s Boxing After Dark series.

Verdict: With a shot at the Klitschko – Ibragimov winner on the line, the stakes are extremely high so I expect the early frames to be cautious as both men look to try and put rounds in the bag without risking a mistake. In the latter rounds I foresee Povetkin bulling his way forward and pressurising his way to a decision victory.