03.11.07 – By Craig Mastendri: The 100th episode of SHOBOX on Showtime delivered with a very solid main event in which “Fast Eddie” Chambers improved to 30-0 16 KO’s took another major step forward as the best American Heavyweight, with a rather dominant performance versus Calvin Brock who fell to 31-2 23 KO’s..
The resultant mayhem, scrambling, confusion in receiving, and apparently “changing” the scorecards, left the Television Audience a hint, and impression, that something fishy was going on. They came up 115-113 Chambers Glen Hamada Wa. Scored 115-113 for Brock, Tom Mcdonough Wa. 115-113, and Steve Weisfeld NJ., 115-113 for Chambers, by Split Decision.
The result of Judge Tom McDonough’s card, might make one wonder, if those were numbers popping out of “Bingo” Machines? Or perhaps, we should sponsor a Lasik Vision Enhancement Program among Boxing Judges?
There was no reasonable way to suggest that Brock won this fight. At best, Brock won 3 or 4 rounds, no more! Brock’s apparent strategy to come in as the big man at 241 vs. the smaller Chambers at 213 and a half backfired in a major way after the second round. Chambers came out storming and throwing. The Head Shots were continually blocked, slipped, and rolled by Chambers. Yet, Calvin’s early energy had him following up his head combo’s, to the body, and those scored early and often, in the first two rounds.
During the third and fourth rounds, the tide surged forward with a major change!! Chambers began to work into rhythm and started effectively, accurately, and quickly countering Brock with precision jab’s, straight rights, and left hooks. He let the big man come out throw his shots, fall into a pattern, and tire. Chambers began to use deceptive strength, excellent speed, and pinpoint accuracy to effectively counter and control the fight. Brock began dancing back and stepping around like a Ballerina, with very little in the way of effective offense. His face began to show the welling under his right eye as Chambers simply started walking Brock down behind the one, two, and displayed surprising strength on the inside.
The fight began to run away entirely from Brock who tried to post a late surge in the ninth and tenth rounds. Calvin came out with his best shot’s in what was a nine-punch combination, at that point. Chambers weathered almost every shot while moving back. He quickly turned it around with fast, straight, and clean shots which forced Brock back and on his bike through out the second half of the fight. It was evident that Chambersset the tone, landed the cleaner shots, and was the aggressor. Chambers clearly won at least 7 rounds of the fight. To say any less? Is beyond wrong, and possibly corrupt.
Despite the cards? Chambers handled the result and situation with extreme class! Saying that he needed to continue to pick up the pace, and be even busier, as you never know what the cards may hold in the future. He also indicated that you will be seeing even better of him, as he’s at the upper level of the game, where every fight is a step up.
Next up? Is supposed to be an Eliminator fight against Russian Alexander Povetkin 14-0 11 KO’s. The winner, would fight Wladimir Klitschko 49-3 44 KO’s, for the IBF Heavyweight Championship. Quite an intriguing match up for Povetkin! He is in for a fight that he hasn’t seen before. This writer will predict right now, Chambers by Unanimous Decision! There isn’t a better example of the old saying “It isn’t the size of the dog, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Chambers brings big things in a smaller package. Eddie Chambers might weigh in around 213-214 but can fight as though he’s 230 or 240.
Old school discipline, heart, and desire for the game, he’s determined to get to the top. A class act, solid background, and a willingness to face the best, make him the best American Heavyweight right now!! That name is “Fast Eddie” Chambers!