Connect with us

Articles of 2009

Fast Eddie Chambers Vs. Samuel Peter’s Power

Published

on

Samuel Peter and Eddie Chambers flew back from Germany with little more than the clothes on their back and a loss on their record. Now they’re fighting in Los Angeles to try and re-ignite their heavyweight careers.

“Don’t fight in Germany,” says Peter.

Both heavyweight contenders suffered a loss in Deutschland and need a win to stay in the world title race when they fight on Friday, March 27 at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The fight promoted by Goossen-Tutor and Duva Promotions will be televised on ESPN.

“Samuel Peter is a good fighter who can punch,” said Chambers (33-1, 18 KOs). “I have to be at my best.”

If you doubt Peter’s ability simply look at the knockdowns he scored against current WBO and IBF titleholder Wladimir Klitschko or the knockout of Oleg Maskaev to win the WBC title. And who can forget one of the most frightening knockouts in heavyweight history when he crunched Jeremy Williams senseless in 2004?

That’s power.

Then along came James “Lights Out” Toney and Peter learned in two fights with the diminutive heavyweight that size doesn’t matter.

“I’d like to thank James Toney who gave me an opportunity to fight him,” said Peter (30-2, 23 KOs), who won by close decision in their first encounter. “Anyone who goes in the ring and has a good record is going to be tough.”

That’s Chambers' cue.

The Philadelphia-based speedster has been relegated to near anonymous status since losing a year ago to Russia’s Alexander Povetkin. Before that, many tabbed him as a younger version of Toney.

“I don’t know what happened to me in that fight,” Chambers said of his loss to Povetkin. “I think I was mentally fatigued or something. It wasn’t physical fatigue.”

Chambers has climbed back to respectability with victories over true heavyweights like Raphael Butler and Cisse Salif. And once again his ability to battle the brutes of the division has attracted curiosity in his ability to fight the behemoths of the heavyweight class.

Boxing fans love an underdog and the sight of little Chambers standing next to the human house of Peter will create an almost comical vision. That is, until the bell rings in the first round.

One thing Peter learned in his two battles with Toney is the importance of punch volume. He needs to throw a waterfall of blows to compensate for the number that will miss or glance off of his opponent’s gloves and shoulders.

Conversely, little Chambers needs to be sharper than ever, lest one of those big Peter mitts knocks him into the next time zone.

“I’m ready,” Chambers says. “I can’t wait.”

The winner of this fight is definitely in the running for a world title shot with one of the three heavyweight world titleholders.

Southern Cal prospects

Three young Southern California hopefuls, including former U.S. Olympians Shawn Estrada and Javier Molina are on the fight card. Also added, newly signed John “Covina Kid” Molina (no relation to Javier Molina) is also taking part in the Nokia Theater fight card.

“I try to stay as busy as possible,” said the hard-hitting John Molina (15-0, 11 KOs), whose last fight took place in February against Kpakpo Allotey and won by third round knockout. Molina faces Carlos Vinan (8-6-3) in a lightweight fight.

Estrada has two fights and two knockouts. He’s been preparing by indulging in sparring wars with a couple of big bombers in junior middleweight contender Alfredo “Perro” Angulo and welterweight contender Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia. Those guys aren’t afraid of anyone.

Molina, a counter-puncher out of the talented Commerce Boxing Club, is making his debut after spending months learning the pro fighting game.

“I just wanted to make sure he is ready for the pros,” said Roberto Luna his trainer. “It’s totally different from amateurs.”

Tickets are still available at the box office.

Nokia Theater: the new Olympic Auditorium?

Overall, boxing will make a red carpet debut at the Nokia Theater on Friday night.

“It’s got class written all over it,” said Ivaylo Gotzev, Peter’s manager.

It will be the first boxing event ever held at the 8,000-seat complex that’s located across the street from Staples Center. It’s smack dab in the middle of the popular L.A. Live Center that’s reinvigorated the downtown area after decades of neglect.

Dan Goossen, president of Goossen-Tutor Promotions, thinks he’s found the perfect spot to hold boxing events.

“It’s the centerpiece for downtown Los Angeles,” says Goossen, who also opened a new Ontario arena to pro boxing back in November 2008.

Dino Duva, who is co-promoting the event, calls it a beautiful site for the sport.

“It’s going to be an historic venue for boxing,” Duva predicts.

Ironically, the Nokia Theater is located less than a mile from the old boxing palace known as the Olympic Auditorium. Though the building is still standing, it was purchased several years ago and is now a church. Boxing is just a memory there.

During the 1930s to the 1980s, the Olympic Auditorium was jammed packed with people on a weekly basis to see the boxing cards that featured the likes of Henry Armstrong, Art Aragon, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jerry Quarry, Manuel Ortiz and Mando Ramos to name a few.

Though it still held boxing cards well into 2005, the standing room only crowds were scarcely evident. Many called the surrounding area of the Olympic Auditorium seedy and dangerous. Others simply refused to come to the downtown L.A. area, preferring West L.A., Pasadena or the beach areas.

Not anymore.

The construction of high rise condos and a large entertainment area known as L.A. Live, has brought the glitter crowd and nearby college and university students to spend week days and weekends in the area located between Figueroa Avenue, Olympic Boulevard and 11th Street in downtown L.A.

Last January 24, more than 20,000 fervent boxing fans who attended the Shane Mosley-Antonio Margarito battle for the welterweight crown discovered a new neon-laced fun zone that sports about 11 sparkling restaurants in a three block radius.

Fights on television

Fri. ESPN2, 7 p.m., Samuel Peter (30-2) vs. Eddie Chambers (33-1)

Sat. pay-per-view, 6 p.m., Julio Cesar Chavez (38-0-1) vs. Luciano Cuello (23-0); Fernando Montiel (38-2-1) vs. Diego Silva (24-1).

Sat. Showtime, 11 p.m., Ronald Hearns (21-0) vs. Harry Yorgey (21-1).

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Sam-Goodman-and-Eccentric-Harry-Garside-Score-Wins-on-a-Wednesday-Card-in-Sydney
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Sam Goodman and Eccentric Harry Garside Score Wins on a Wednesday Card in Sydney

Avila-Perspective-Chap-326-A-Hectic-Boxing-Week-in-LA
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: A Hectic Boxing Week in L.A.

Hiruta-Bohachuk-and-Trinidad-Win-at-the-Commerce-Casino
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino

David-Allen-Bursts-Johnny-Fisher's-Bubble-at-the-Copper-Box
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles4 days ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles1 week ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles5 days ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles1 day ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles4 days ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles5 days ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles1 week ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Hiruta-Bohachuk-and-Trinidad-Win-at-the-Commerce-Casino
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino

David-Allen-Bursts-Johnny-Fisher's-Bubble-at-the-Copper-Box
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box

Avila-Perspective-Chap-326-A-Hectic-Boxing-Week-in-LA
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: A Hectic Boxing Week in L.A.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending