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He’s called “Fast Eddie” for having, arguably, the fastest hands in the heavyweight division. He could be called “Steady Eddie,” for the consistent, workmanlike manner he conducts his business in the ring.
But in the aftermath of his disciplined victory at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles over former WBC Heavyweight Champion Samuel Peter, Eddie Chambers has proclaimed himself as “Ready Eddie”, as in ready for a shot at one of the recognized world heavyweight title belts.
“It was definitely the next step toward a title,” said Chambers, 34-1 (18), who won a 10-round majority decision by scores of 99-91, 96-94 and 95-95 by primarily using the jab. “When you defeat a big heavyweight and one who recently held a world title, it feels good to have earned my opportunity to go for one of the world titles.”
All four of the recognized world heavyweight titles are currently held by a trio of East European giants. The IBF and WBO belts belong to Wladimir Klitschko, with older brother Vitali possessing the WBC title and Nicolay Valuev the WBA belt.
“I have worked long and hard to get there and I’m determined to be better next time out and win the heavyweight championship when I get my title shot,” continued Chambers, a native of Pittsburgh fighting out of Philadelphia. “I am ready to take on any of the champions.”
Manager Rob Murray, Sr., who took over as Chambers’ trainer following the loss to Alexander Povetkin and guided him to solid wins over Raphael Butler, Livin Castillo, and Cisse Salif prior to the Peter fight, devised the game plan which Chambers carried out to his satisfaction.
“I was pleased with Eddie’s performance, especially given that it was against a guy who was one fight removed from being champion of the world,” Murray shared. “And more importantly, against a guy whose only two losses were to current champions of the world, the Klitschkos, Wladimir and Vitali.
“Of course I would have loved to see Eddie KO Peter, but only Vitali holds that distinction. So yes, I am pleased with the decision victory. Now we’ll go back and work on the combinations using the right hand, which he hurt during the fight.”
Murray pulls no punches when it comes to his take on “Fast” Eddie’s credentials as an immediate championship contender.
“We now want to fight anybody, whether they are a Ukrainian, a Russian, a German; anyone who has one of the four belts. We’ve beaten Calvin Brock, Dominick Guinn, Raphael Butler, Derric Rossy, and now Samuel Peter. These guys aren’t chopped liver! Eddie’s taken on every challenge with guys that can fight. We have gotten him into contention to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world, the Holy Grail for us, and have fight will travel.”
Addressing the towering size and sculptured physiques of the current world champions against Chambers at six foot one, promoter Dan Goossen may have said it best immediately after Chamber’s victory over Peter: “Get ready for Eddie to show the world the modern day David against Goliath battle.”
