Hey, someone wake up the Fraziers’ quickly! Clean up the Rocky statue and call Sylvester Stallone to come down and visit. Is Larry Holmes out there somewhere? Philadelphia is actually sending a fighter to a heavyweight title fight, although it is in Germany.
Meet “Fast” Eddie Chambers, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and boxing out of the once legendary boxing city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He will be fighting IBF/WBO Heavyweight Champ, and Russian product Wladimir Klitschko this March in an attempt to bring some glory back to the U.S.A. heavyweight boxing scene. The Klitshckos (brothers Wladimir and Vitali) own 2 of the 3 major boxing committees championships, and have for some years now.
“He is the highest ranked American heavyweight right now, so this fight makes alot of sense,” said Klitschko when asked why he chose Chambers as his next opponent. Chambers currently has a professional record of 35-1 with 18 knockouts and has found himself fighting some of the best competition in the weight class of late. He has managed victories over Sam Peter, Calvin Brock, and Raphael Butler over the least couple of years to earn high ranking in the IBF.
It is understood that boxing has lost some steam and that the crowds would rather see multiple moves and more non-stop action that the MMA and the UFC world has to offer. It is moments like this that the bigger boxing cities need to produce big time talent and personalities. The biggest “bad boy” in the heavyweight boxing world right now is Englands David Haye, who is 24-1 and currently holds the WBA’s version of the title. Once again, a British champ will not help the USA’s chances of saving the sport. Haye is seen as a guy who will taunt and trash talk all over the media to get what he wants, something that has escaped the US fighters over the years.
Fighting promoters have tried to gain appeal with elimination fight style tournaments and strict rankings to get higher ranked guys to fight one another, yet until the scoring system and judging system is fixed boxing will continue to struggle. However the “sweet science” can regain popularity with big time fights. It is unfortunate that big-time US fighters like Floyd Mayweather would rather squawk over dollars then save the beloved sport.
Yes it is hard to find a fight fan walking down the street these days. Boxing has almost become more of a cult then a national appeal. I for one still enjoy a nice boxing match over some mixed up, blood bath that lass mere minutes. Hopefully for those of us who grew up loving boxing, a Chambers’ victory can restore some faith from the former fans. Perhaps with a heavyweight champ living here in the US, more fans will come back or come aboard. Sure it’s a lot to ask of one man, but it’s a start. Somewhere in South Philly, while in line waiting for a Geno’s cheese steak, I’m sure you can still hear the echo of “Yo Adrian!”
Much luck to Eddie Chambers, for himself, and this city.
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Check out the book The Fearless Harry Greb: Biography of a Tragic Hero of Boxing by clicking here.
See the documentary Tyson on DVD by clicking here.
Purchase the boxing video game Fight Night: Round 4 with Eddie Chambers.