By Vivek Wallace – This weeks ‘CEO-Fridays’ segment places a man under the microscope that definitely deserves a second look. Some would question the term ‘second look’, but a glimpse at reality proves this could be no closer to the truth, as he has seen the center stage before, only at a time when no one happened to be watching. Fast forward a few years and a couple hard fought victories later, and the stage is set for ole ‘Fast’ Eddie Chambers to do something that few thought he’d be the one to do. That near impossible task, one might ask? Dethrone a Klitschko and bring a portion of the heavyweight hardware back America.
When we think of Eddie Chambers, we think fast….we think slick….maybe even fundamental. An American dream? Probably not to most, but in an odd play on words, when you consider the weak state of heavyweights in America, to those outside the country, the only way the heavyweight strap could possibly land back in this neck of the woods would have to be a script that could only be written in a dream somewhere in America; a place known for making the impossible possible, even when it isn’t possible. Now, humor aside, once the night falls and the curtains rise, regardless of innuendo’s associated with the mere thought, this American ‘dream’ could be closer to reality than we’re led to believe, and the only contender on American soil with a chance is the one that now stands in Germany, eager to test his luck at this fortune…..again!
Back in January of ’08, a less than prepared Chambers tried his luck in Germany against one Alexander Povetkin, who proved at the time to be far more skilled than Chambers was ready for at that point in his evolution. Only months after the loss, Chambers’ mission to the top would land him in the ring with ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ Samuel Peter in the first ever boxing match to take place in Los Angeles’ Nokia Theater. Considering that Peter was no longer the threat he was once viewed as, many felt this would be a cakewalk for Chambers, but to everyone’s surprise, the visibly out of shape Peter threw nearly 700 punches, giving Chambers an interesting night at the office.
When it was all said and done, despite being outworked, judges at ringside found the well placed assortment of precision shots from Chambers to be more than enough to land him the “W”. After moving beyond this obstacle, he would next face the closest replica one could find to what he’ll face this Saturday in Germany, as the 253lb, 6’8″ towering Dimitrenko was not only undefeated, but also very skilled. Chambers displayed a certain level of growth in the Peter fight, but the Chambers that showed up against Dimitrenko – also in Germany – appeared to have come full circle. Not only had he entered the ring lighter than any point in the 6 years prior, but that lighter weight helped him bring the ‘Fast’ in his name back, as his lightening quick reflexes stole the show with little effort, despite the great height and reach advantages, and being outweighed by 45 pounds.
What does all of this have to do with his chances against Wladimir Klitschko? Quite a bit, as Chambers has proven that he can handle a big man with good power. Of the two Klitschko brothers, Wladimir is more fundamentally flawed, and his three KO losses have all proven that if you can keep him off guard and a bit flustered, his ability to recover doesn’t fall back into place as quickly. Chambers’ chances – providing he can be what we saw against Dimitrinko – are as good as any other American heavyweight. Hell, I’d venture to say they’re as good as any other international heavyweight, because despite the lesser power, his skill level and reflexes make him just as dangerous as someone like Haye.
When it all boils down, Chambers will have to realize that he’s entering the ring against not only a Klitschko, but easily the most athletic heavyweight in the world, to include his older brother, Vitali. His chance to unseat Wladimir won’t come easy, and even if he can manage to get him a bit off track, this Klitschko isn’t quite the same guy that fell victim to the likes of Corrie Sanders years ago. It’ll be a dog fight until the end. And only at that point will we know if this American ‘Dream’ is precisely that, or simply another ‘Nightmare’, blowing out of shape right before our eyes and failing to deliver when it counts most…..sort of like the Nigerian one. In just a few hours we’ll know…..Stay tuned!
(Vivek Wallace can be reached at vivexemail@yahoo.com, 954-292-7346, Youtube (VIVEK1251), Twitter (VIVEK747), Facebook, and Myspace).