28.09.07 – By James Slater: Currently in training for the biggest test of his career so far – his November 2nd elimination bout with Calvin Brock – “Fast” Eddie Chambers very kindly took time out to speak with me over the phone earlier this week. Upbeat, fast talking and incredibly confident without coming across as anything near arrogant, Eddie, unbeaten with a fine 29-0(16) record, had the following things to say.
James Slater: So, how’s training going so far for the Calvin Brock fight?
Eddie Chambers: It’s going real well. I’ve been working with about ten guys, sparring and getting ready. It’s been great work for me.
J.S: And who have you been sparring with, can you give me any names?
E.C: I’ve been working out with my friend, Chazz Witherspoon – he and I train together a lot, he always gives me great work. And Tony Thompson has been stopping by also. He’s a southpaw, but with his speed and fast hands he’s been helping me out. He’s getting ready for his own fight right now (the Cliff Couser fight, which Thompson won by quick KO last night) so he’s real sharp. I’ll be working with some other young guys soon also.
J.S: Is there any venue set for the Brock fight yet?
E.C: Not yet, not to my knowledge.
J.S: What do you think of Brock as a fighter?
E.C: He’s definitely a good fighter, who has only lost once, to the world’s number one heavyweight [Wladimir Klitschko]. I’d say he’s the best opponent so far in my career. One thing’s for sure, I’m not getting cocky ahead of this fight. We all know what happens to cocky people – they go down real fast! (laughs).
J.S: Other than the Klitschko fight, have you seen any other tapes of Brock?
E.C: Oh, I’ve seen a few of his fights, but I don’t like to watch too many tapes of a guy I’m fighting. I mean, you can study a fighter’s style from a tape and then he can go and totally change his style come fight night. But I know Brock pretty well anyway because I sparred with him a year or two back. My speed bothered him, my speed would bother anyone actually.
J.S: People have commented on Calvin’s good jab. You have a good jab too though, do you think this fight may be a battle of the jabs type affair?
E.C: To a degree maybe. But I feel my jab is much faster than his and my speed will really come into effect in the fight. I feel my speed will offset him.
J.S: You are only twenty-five. You must feel your prime is still ahead of you?
E.C: Yes, I’ve still to reach my prime. I feel I’m good enough right now for this step up, but yeah, there is a lot to come in the future. There are plenty of years ahead of me [in my boxing career] yet. As you know, heavyweights do mature later and I’m still only twenty-five.
J.S: This elimination tournament (with the winner to box Wladimir Klitschko next year) has generated quite a bit of interest. Along with your fight, Chris Byrd meets Alexander Povetkin, of course. Who do you pick there?
E.C: I’d say that’s a toss-up fight. Chris Byrd is real experienced and fast. But Povetkin, although he has not had that many pro fights, is not that new to the sport because of all his amateur fights, what with his Olympic gold medal and everything. I say it will be a very tough and interesting fight, and much more exciting than people think too because of the way Povetkin always comes forward. I give the edge to Byrd, just.
J.S: Talking about Wladimir Klitschko, the guy you four are fighting to meet, do you agree that he is the very best of the champions right now? He does seem to suffer quite a few injuries, doesn’t he?
E.C: I do agree that he is the best, yes. But still, every fighter has his weaknesses. Just because Klitschko is a big guy, that doesn’t make him invincible. As for his injuries, he’s been fighting for a long time – he and his brother – so maybe that’s why he’s prone to injury. All the pounding of tough fights and training and all the effort involved does catch up with you after a while. Maybe that’s happening in his case right now. But when he’s fit and in the ring he looks very good and effective.
J.S: Speaking of tough fights, who has given you your hardest so far?
E.C: I’ve had a few tough fights, I’d say. I’ve had fights where I’ve been bleeding before and I’ve had fights where I’ve felt sick. But probably Dominick Guinn has been the toughest one so far, in that he was there all night in front of me. I kept pecking away at him but he was never really hurt or rocked on his feet. He was also probably the most skilled fighter I’ve faced so far. He made a great effort when he fought me, more of an effort than he’d made before.
J.S: Just going back in time, what was your amateur background?
E.C: I didn’t have a huge amateur career. I had around eighty fights. I won one state title – the Pennsylvania state title. I wasn’t really as focused or as serious as an amateur as I am now as a pro. I kind of wanted to go out and have fun instead of really training hard. But when I did turn pro and started making money I put in serious effort.
J.S: How does it feel now, knowing you are only two victories away from fighting for the world heavyweight title?
E.C: I’ve been waiting so long for my shot, it’s great to be finally getting it. I’m ready for this tournament. I mean, I’ve waited this long for my chance I wouldn’t really mind waiting even longer. I can be patient, that way you get even stronger. But I am ready for this right now. I’m so focused on Calvin Brock at the moment. To me, in a way, that fight is like a world title fight. It’s scheduled for twelve rounds and as I say, Brock is my best
opponent so far.
J.S: It’s been great talking with you, Eddie. For my final question, do you have a round in mind for the Brock fight?
E.C: I don’t really want to pick a round. I do hope to win by a KO, but just so long as I win that’s the main thing. I want it to be a fight that pleases the fans too.