Alexander Povetkin and Eddie Chambers are set to fight in Germany this Saturday, January 26. The winner gets a shot at the IBF heavyweight title.
Saturday, January 26 at the Tempodrom in Berlin Germany, "Fast" Eddie Chambers and Alexander Povetkin battle for the right to face the winner of Wladimir Klitschko vs. Sultan Ibragimov for the IBF heavyweight title. The Chambers vs. Povetkin fight will be televised on HBO.
Both fighters are feeling confident after their wins over world class competition. Chambers, 25, recently beat Calvin Brock by a 12 round split decision, while Povetkin, 28, stopped former IBF champion Chris Byrd by TKO in 11 rounds.
Chambers and Povetkin Press Conference Quotes
At a press conference in Germany the principals assessed their upcoming fight.
"I am just glad that I have the chance," said Povetkin 14-0 (11). "I don't think it will be any easier than the last fight against Chris Byrd. Everything else we'll see on Saturday."
"My chances are very good," said Chambers 30-0 (16). "I feel I'm in a position to beat Povetkin. I've seen videos from the fight against Byrd and a few earlier fights by Alexander Povetkin. They were Impressive victories. Nevertheless, I'm very flexible. Povetkin doesn't know how strong I am. I will win."
While Chambers' longer professional resume might lead one to think that he is the more experienced fighter, Povetkin had an extensive and successful amateur career that culminated in a gold medal for his native Russia in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Povetkin Has Better Skills
Though hardly a flashy fighter, Povetkin's fundamental skills are as solid as any heavyweight in the world. Whether it's jabs, straight rights, hooks or uppercuts, Povetkin uses them all and he knows how to set them up to their best effect. So far he's shown a sturdy chin, though he hasn't quite been in the ring with a monster yet. Chambers won't be his first either.
Chambers Has Faster Hands
Even if he isn't scary, Chambers is fast. His hands are, anyway. In watching him fight, one gets the impression that his hand speed, which is impressive for a heavyweight, depends on his legs to provide a solid, practically motionless, foundation. Chambers isn't a young Ali type of stick and move boxer. He's more deliberate, but, so far, very effective.
Prediction
Who will win? The hand speed advantage goes to Chambers, the power advantage goes to Povetkin, but it's angles that will win the fight, and it's Povetkin who holds that card. Quick hands are a blessing, but they mean nothing if a fighter cannot land his punches. Chambers depends on his opponents standing in front of him so he can deliver his speed. Povetkin is too well schooled, too experienced, and too smart for that.
Expect Povetkin to spend the first few rounds setting Chambers up for a TKO in the second half of the fight. If the TKO doesn't come Povetkin wins by unanimous decision.
*Press conference quotes reported by FightNews.com
