by James Slater: According to FightNews.com, the IBF has a scheduled August 5th purse bid for an intriguing clash of young heavyweights. “Fast” Eddie Chambers has a mandatory USBA defence against the unbeaten Malik Scott, and it seems the two will meet in what will be both men’s next fight. This should be an interesting and entertaining battle of talented heavyweight wannabes..
We all know how good Chambers is/can be. Aside from losing a fight he appeared to be winning against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin – a points losing performance Chambers himself admits was no way good enough – the 26-year-old has a fine record. Getting back on the winning track with a 6th round stoppage win over Raphael Butler this June, Chambers says he is as determined to get to the top of his division as ever. With his slick moves and quick hands, the 31-1(17) Chambers definitely remains a heavyweight to watch. But what do we know about his next prospective opponent in Malik Scott?
Scott, a 27-year-old who was born in Philadelphia, is unbeaten at 31-0(11) as a pro. One glance at his stats lets you know Scott is no big puncher – much like Chambers, of course. A fine amateur who earned himself wins over men like Michael Bennett and Jason Estrada (also losing to both men subsequently) along with DaVarryl Williamson and Malcolm Tann, Scott fought his way to a reported 70-3 unpaid record. Since turning pro in November of 2000, the 6’4″ approx 250-pounder has met only so-so opposition. Points wins over the likes of Louis Monaco (twice), Otis Tisdale, David Bostice and Charles Shufford are fair enough, but if he does indeed take on fellow Philly fighter Chambers he will be taking a big step up in class.
Will the step be too big? It will certainly be interesting finding out. No, neither guy is a big puncher, but Chambers is fast enough and aggressive enough so as to put on crowd-pleasing fights. Going up against an unbeaten fighter with an (admittedly padded) impressive looking record, Chambers will likely be at his best. “Fast” Eddie will be both the smaller man in height as well as being out-weighed by around 30-pounds, but he is used to that. Scott, for his part, will either rise to the occasion or be found wanting. Malik had an active 2007 – getting himself four wins. However, so far in 2008 he has only boxed one time. Perhaps Scott has been biding his time, waiting for a big fight opportunity.
Very much an unknown quantity to many fans, Malik Scott just might get the big fight he’s been looking for soon.