Eddie Chambers: “Very shortly, I’ll be heavyweight champion of the world” - Interview By Mike "Mykers" Boehm (March 16, 2010) Doghouse Boxing
Eddie Chambers’ eyes appear to be set on heavyweight gold, when he squares off against Wladimir Klitschko March 20, 2010. The young heavyweight looks to continue his success in the heavyweight division by earning his rightful mark come this year in 2010. I recently had a chance to sit down with Eddie, as we have an in-depth discussion regarding his road to heavyweight supremacy.
MMB: Hey Eddie, nice to talk to you again, how you doing?
EC: I’m good…Doing good, Mike.
MMB: Let’s jump right in…and talk about your training for your upcoming showdown with Wladimir Klitschko on March 20, 2010.
EC: The training has been superb we worked very hard, and prepared night and day, obviously with the plan to comeback with the titles. More importantly, it's to make sure I'm in the best mental and physical condition of my career. Were trying to leave no stones unturned, and make sure I comeback with those titles with full confidence.
MMB: Wladimir will be coming into the fight 5 ½ inches taller, with a wingspan that exceeds yours by 6 inches. How do you overcome the huge reach and height obstacles?
EC: Well, it's a matter of movement, slight movement….you know? Not over-moving or a lot of running around or doing anything like that. Understanding that a reach advantage, is an advantage don't get me wrong, but remember; with his reach advantage, I believe it takes a little longer for his punches to get to the target then mine will; coupled with my foot speed that will eliminate a lot of the problem. Then, once I throw my hand speed in there and I'm able to get to the target/get away from the target, better than that of him, that of which he is trying to do; I think it evens it out pretty much… almost like fighting a guy my height.
MMB: Has your previous bout with Alexander Dimitrenko helped you prepare for Wlad?
EC: Dimitrenko was a bit taller and a little heavier, but not nearly as strong I don't think. He fought well tall, but didn't stick to it as much, because you know, he wanted to land the big bombs as I got in. He’s a little more, let's just say fluid with his boxing style and did a little bit more things than the Wladimir does. With that said, he doesn't fight tall as often, and he couldn’t keep me away because the lack of strength. And also with that, my foot speed nullified a lot of his reach too. Having the opportunity fight someone that size, who can box, prepared me in a way to understand what I'm going to be facing in Klitschko. But not to say that Dimitrenko is a Klitschko, or at the level of Wladimir Klitschko. I believe that Klitschko may not be as fluid as he is, but he’s is very good at what he does; he’s been a solid fighter, a top fighter for a very long time. So it’s going to be very difficult to think I’m just going to go in there and beat him very easily, and it’s just not going to happen. It’s going to be a tough fight, I think I’ll come out with a victory, but it’s going to be a tough fight.
MMB: Eddie, you have shown the boxing community that you’re a highly poised, yet very quick fighter in the ring. Is your hand speed enough to dismantle the Ukrainian Giant, and bring his titles back to the states?
EC: I think so, but I think it has to be more than just my hand-speed. It’s a great weapon; it’s a great way to gain an advantage in the fight with Klitschko. I’m going to have to use everything; I’m going to have to bring everything I possibly can to the table and make some adjustments overtime, because like I said, he’s been a top fighter for some time. Wladimir is prepared to do different things and make certain adjustments during the fight. I will have to do the same in order to keep dominating, and I will.
MMB: More importantly, do you feel Wladimir's recent shoulder surgery will have any effect on the fight itself?
EC: I believe he comes with a very good doctor…lol
MMB: lol, I mean, is that going to lower his confidence in dealing with a faster fighter in you?
EC: Honestly, I don’t think so. I think he’s in full confidence when he’s in the ring. Besides that, I’m pretty sure their looking at me as, don’t get me wrong it’s going to be a tough challenge, and I think Wlad knows that. However, I do believe in certain ways he’s feeling like in the back of his mind that this guys not going to be enough to force me to have to go into my bag of tricks, or force me to have to worry about my shoulder surgery or anything like that. So I believe he’s going to come in with full confidence, and feel like he’s going to be able to do what he’s done in his last twelve fights and dominate competition.
MMB: Moving forward, is there any insight on how you plan to attack Wladimir and stay ahead come March 20?
EC: There really is no special trick, or tactic that I have that’s going to be any different than any other guys are trying to do. It’s a matter of determination, the focus, and attention to detail. When I get in there and fight him, I’m going to have to pay attention to every little thing. It’s not that huge most obvious thing, that’s going to be difficult obstacle, it’s the little things he does. Wlad sticks to a game plan, he’s got a great corner, and I think he used to it. But Wlad is so used to having an easy time, and once I get in there and start to test him, it’s gonna really determine how the fight going to go, with how he responds. It’s going to be a knockdown, drag out fight!
MMB: Right now, what do you feel are Wladimir's biggest flaws?
EC: Some would say his inability to NOT be able to fight inside, or not even attempt to fight inside. However, not really with his style and the way he does it. But there are situations where you might have to do it, and maybe I’ll bring that out in him. Wlad’s lack of willingness to fight inside will kind of be you know…a challenge. Also, I don’t want to say he has too many weaknesses because obviously he hasn’t shown too many with the group of guys he’s been fighting. More people question his chin, his conditioning and things like that. Aside from his loss against Corrie Sanders, the only thing that there’s been a problem with him is when he got extraordinarily tired in the Ross Puritty fight, and Lamon Brewster fight. Other than that, he’s been pretty solid all the way around.
MMB: What is your prediction come March 20, 2010?
EC: I never like to predict any particular round…
MMB: Sure, I understand, can you be more specific though?
EC: I going to come in and predict, it’s going to be a very good and fan friendly fight. I’m predicting my victory by decision.
MMB: Alright Eddie, it’s been a pleasure. We are all hoping you bring the titles back to the U.S. Is there anything in closing you would like to say to your fans?
EC: I want to thank them for supporting me. It’s been a long, hard road, and I’m just very thankful they’ve stuck with me this long. You’ve gotta be a diehard fan to even know of me, so let alone…be a fan. I really appreciate you, and continue to follow my career. Very shortly, I’ll be heavyweight champion of the world, and we’ll all be rewarded…so thank you.
