Eddie Chambers knows a lot about Wladimir Klitschko. He also knows what it feels like to get punched by ‘Dr. Steelhammer.’
Chambers (42-4, 23 KOs) was knocked out cold by Klitschko with five seconds remaining of their bout, in 2010, when Chambers was caught by a short left hook against the ropes by the tall, lengthy Ukrainian.
Klitschko (63-3, 54 KOs) will face undefeated challenger Bryant Jennings (19-0, 10 KOs) at the Madison Square Garden on 25 April live on HBO.
When asked about Jennings’s chances of winning against Klitschko, Chambers had to hold back laughter.
“It is going to be a tall task, to say the least. Wladimir Klitschko has been taking number one guys out without a problem for the past 7-10 years, of course he has the experience, He has fought enough competition to not be surprised about anybody he is facing,”
Like Chambers, Jennings is from Philadelphia. Despite the hometown resemblance, Chambers was candid in his assessment of the fight; a trait he has been known for.
“I have been in this sport for years, and I can tell you, I don’t care about the situation, or how close you are to somebody, you have to tell the truth, and you have to look at it the way it is, and honestly it is going to be a very, very difficult fight for Bryant,”
Some people are looking towards Bryant Jennings as this generation’s Evander Holyfield, who has a similar build to the former heavyweight champion. For a heavyweight fighter, Jennings has superior defensive skill, but can Jennings overwhelm Klitschko on sheer ring activity and his in and out movements? Chambers nodded his head in agreement.
“He actually can do that,” Chambers agreed. “But, it is going to take a lot more than hit in spots here and there and just try to deflect punches because you just can’t deflect punches from Wladimir Klitschko, they stick. With the distance of him moving in and out, remember this guy has a super long reach, 6 ft 6, and he is athletic with his feet, side to side, in and out,” he explained. “He is strong and he knows a little dirty tricks as well,”
Well, at least Chambers is optimistic.
“This is boxing anything can happen,” ended Chambers.
