Sunday, July 5, 2009

Big Win

I've not seen last night's Eddie Chambers-Alexander Dimitrenko scrap, but the majority decision in Chambers' favor on his opponent's home turf is one of the better wins for an American heavyweight over a European opponent (on Independence Day, no less!) we've seen in the past several years. In the Lewis-Klitschko era of heavyweights build like defensive tackles, I hope it serves as a reminder to normal-sized heavyweights that the antidote to a big, strong opponent is not packing flab onto a relatively narrow frame, which provides zero competitive advantage; it's trimming down and emphasizing speed and activity. After a lackluster performance at 223 pounds against Sam Peter (a weight at which he looked downright busty) in March, Chambers dropped to a svelte 208 this time out, despite facing a guy who went 6-7 and 253, and he whupped him. Are you paying attention, Chris Arreola?

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