By James Slater – 28-year-old Eddie Chambers returned to winning ways this past Friday, in his first fight back since being stopped by world champion Wladimir Klitschko last March. The Philly slickster won a commanding 12-round decision over Rossy in what was a rematch, and in improving to 36-2(18) Chambers got himself back in contention for a shot at the IBF crown held by Klitschko.
Very kindly taking the time to speak with me earlier today, “Fast” Eddie spoke about his win on Friday and his plans for the future.
James Slater: Thanks for taking the time to speak with Eastsideboxing.com once again, Eddie. First of all, congratulations on your win over Derric Rossy, your second win over him.
Eddie Chambers: Thank you.
J.S: As you know, you stopped him the first time you met, back in 2007. This time, you dropped him but won on points – was he tougher, or more improved this time around?
E.C: He improved certain things, but he was in survival mode, especially after the knockdown; in the second half of the fight. I’m not taking anything away from Rossy, he is a tough guy and a good fighter. But I never put on the performance I thought I would. I didn’t feel great in there.. I felt weak at times. As a result of that, I wasn’t able to do certain things. I really wanted to make a statement, my first fight in a year and all. I mean, no disrespect to Rossy, but I’m one of the top three or four heavyweights in the world, and he’s not on the level to be able to beat me.
J.S: You say you felt weak, were you under the weather at all?
E.C: No, it wasn’t that. I think I did too much in training, I think I did too much down the stretch. I switched from doing two workouts a day to one, but I was doing four hours a day (laughs). I think that was a lot to do with it. And my diet. I’ve really worked on that and it’s hard to get the food I like to eat. I’m eating healthy, but it’s hard to find the stuff I want to eat. The win [over Rossy], I’m nowhere near satisfied or happy with my performance.
J.S: You won an IBF elimination with the win, as you know. Are there any plans at this early stage as to what’s next for you?
E.C: Well, number-one: I had to win this fight. And now, I’m looking to get a another shot at the title. It may not be against Wladimir right away. It may not be against Wladimir at all. But I want to fight the best, to see how great I can be. And he’s the number-one guy right now. But if the rematch doesn’t happen, maybe I’ll have to go another way, maybe fight for the vacant title when Wladimir retires, if he does. Or maybe I could fight David Haye. We’ll have to see which direction I go in.
J.S: Some fans on this website have said you’d be better off against Haye, seeing as you are, in their opinion, too small for the really big guys like the Klitschkos. What do you say to that?
E.C: Well, Rossy is 6’3,” 6’4” and around 237-pounds, and I beat him by basically walking him down. You know, I put pressure on him and I broke his pipe – you know they say pressure busts pipes. And I did that when not at my best. I’d say strength-wise I was around 25-percent of what I wanted to be. But my footwork, my speed – I’m faster than these big guys. In the fight with Klitschko I think I proved I’m strong enough even though that fight is not the best example (laughs). But I proved certain things against Klitschko, and against another big guy in Rossy. So for the people who say I’m too small….. I’ve been in the top-five at heavyweight for the last three years or so. I think it’s high time they [my critics] looked at that.
J.S: Many people say the Klitschkos are just unbeatable right now, and they wonder what you could do differently in a rematch with Wladimir.
E.C: I can’t disagree totally with that, apart from to say they are not unbeatable. There is a way to beat everybody on a given night. I fought the wrong fight last time; I fought the wrong game-plan – the same way all these other guys have. Next time, I’ve got to move, not stand in front of him. I’ve got to use my left jab, not let him work to his plan. I can’t let him dictate. I’ll give him angles. I bring to the table what no other heavyweight does, in terms of speed and athleticism and quickness. Maybe Haye brings some of that, with good power also. He has athleticism and he moves well. I have to use these things and box against Klitschko. It might sound crazy seeing as how his only losses have been when a guy mauled him and got him tired, but that’s the way to beat him [by boxing]. Wladimir used to be known as a guy who got tired in the second half of a fight, to the point where he wanted to quit. He wilted in fights that went a lot of rounds. But now, with Emanuel Steward training him, he comes on strong and wins fights late. He’s still trying to improve. I noticed in the Sam Peter fight, he used inside punches and uppercuts. So he is still looking to learn and improve. So to beat him you really have to raise your game, and I will raise my game to the absolute top in a rematch.
J.S: There is no doubt, Wladimir is the number-one guy on your radar?
E.C: Absolutely. Because he’s the number-one guy. There’s no other way to prove you’re the best than by beating the best.
J.S: Ideally, when would you like to be back in the ring?
E.C: Maybe three or four months. This was my first fight in a year and I’m sore (laughs). It’s been a long time. I didn’t feel great in the fight like I thought I would. So I will recover from the soreness and then get back. I still need to make that big statement.
J.S: Slightly off topic; but did it annoy you that your fight with Rossy wasn’t televised?
E.C: A little bit. But then I understand that the card was largely an up-and-comers card. Plus, most of the networks in the States are not supporting the heavyweights as much now. But the fans did say [on Friday] that our fight was the most interesting of the night, and with the most meaning. I can’t worry about that [not being on T.V], I’m grateful for the opportunity of an eliminator.
J.S: Well, it’s been great speaking with you, Eddie. Best wishes for your next fight.
E.C: Oh, thank you. We’re not the hottest division right now, so thanks for taking the time to call up and for keeping us out there.