Chamber and Peter Looking
to Make Some Much Needed "Noise" in the Heavyweight Division
by James “Ricky” Coward
March 27, 2009
(MAR 27) Tonight at the Nokia Theater Los
Angeles, CA, ESPN2 Friday Night Fights. Today when we hear people
talking “The Business” of boxing at the coffee shop or in the
barbershop, some of the the names most likely to be discussed would be,
Marguez, Pacquiao / Hatton, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto and Bernard
Hopkins.
Most of them are current or recent World Champions and are obviously
some of the biggest names in the “Lighter” weight divisions of boxing
today. But in the not too distant past, in those same barbershop’s and
coffee shops, the “Boxing” names spoken in there conversation would
probably have consisted of the like’s of Lennox Lewis, Evander
HolyField, Mike Tyson and even Riddick Bowe. “Big” names just like the
one’s mentioned above, but in boxing’s BIG division, the heavyweight
division. Today, that division in boxing fails to stir the “Soul” of
most fans the way it did years ago. Yes, there are the Klitschko
brother’s who appear to have the division on lock down holding the
coveted key’s by way of the major world title belts right now.
But, even with titles in hand lack luster
performances by them have not generated the american interest in that
division. In fact a lot of heavyweights in that division fail to perform
at a level to even spark any sustained focus on the division. The
interest and focus right now is on the lighter weight divisions in the
sport.
Tonight for two top heavyweight contender’s, there lies an opportunity
to “Ignite” an interest again in Boxing’s heavyweight division. For
Samuel Peter (32 - 2 23KO’s) it’s a chance to erase his lack luster
performance against Vitali Klitschko to whom he lost his World Boxing
Council (WBC) title back in October. But for his opponent Eddie
Chambers (33 - 1 18KO’s) this fight means more. He wants to be back in
the race for a World Title shot and he know’s that a win tonight
against a former World Champion and current top ranked heavyweight
contender, would get him one step closer to that chance. The single
loss on Chambers record came against a top rated up and coming
heavyweight named Alexander Povetkin. But for those such as myself who
saw the fight, it was clear that Chambers defeated himself. Chamber’s
was clearly the much better boxer, his technical skills evident and he
showed flashes of his speed and skill against Povetkin. But midway
through the bout, he just stopped punching and gave away the fight. I
truly believe that it was simply “Mental” and maybe some conditioning
issues, which I am convinced have been taken care of by his current
trainer and manager, Rob Murray Sr. out of James Shulers Gym in
Philadelphia, PA.
The “Nigerian Nightmare” Sam Peter is a true “Puncher” he has power in
both hands especially in the right and could end any fight early if
he lands it clean. For “Fast” Eddie Chambers, well, “Speed” kills if
used properly and I believe that Chambers will use his speed and solid
defense to avoid being hit clean by Peter’s right hand. Sparks are
ready to fly as these two step into the ring tonight to do battle. The
stage is set and it appears that we have the making’s of a very
interesting, if not exciting top heavyweight contender matchup.
