PHILADELPHIA – Heavyweight contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers, 36-3, 18 KOs, Philadelphia, has decided to campaign as a cruiserweight. It is a move that he believes will bring him a world title belt.

“The cruiserweight division is better because I’ll be fighting guys my size,” Chambers said. “I may have had some advantages at heavyweight, but imagine me at cruiser, fighting against someone my own size.”

Chambers hasn’t weighted over 210 pounds for a fight in more than three years, and feels that the move down to the 200-pound cruiserweight limit will make him more competitive and offer greater opportunity for him to become champion.

“I want to be a world champion,” Chambers said. “That’s what you set out to do when you start boxing. That’s what I want to be, and I’ve worked my entire boxing career, and most of my life, at that. I want to achieve it. I see that title (belt) wrapped around my waist.”

Main Events is currently riding a wave of success with their nationally televised “Fight Night” boxing series on the NBC Sports Network. Chambers looks forward to more national exposure on the popular program.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Chambers said. “Main Events puts on nothing but great fights. I’m just happy to be part of it. They really have confidence in my ability, and it led me to believe that these were the people for me.”

Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO, said, “I don’t think anyone in the cruiserweight division can beat Eddie Chambers, period. We are very happy that he has decided to work with us towards his goal of winning the cruiserweight title and I have no doubt in my mind that he will get there very soon.”

Eddie Chambers will undergo surgery today to repair an injury he suffered during his June 16th NBC Sports Network “Fight Night” battle against Tomasz Adamek.

Chambers revealed, “At the end of the first round I felt something rip. I remember thinking ‘Hey, that didn’t feel right’. It turns out I the tore a tendon that connects my bicep to the bone. I am having surgery to repair that.”

Chambers is anxious to get back in the ring, “Once I have the surgery, I will do physical therapy for about 2 months. I will keep in shape physically. You know running, and anything that doesn’t require upper body, etc. Just to stay in shape and stay ready so that once I get back it’s not going to take as long to get ready for fighting. I want to get back into a fight as soon as I possibly can after that.”

NEWARK, NJ–Tomasz Adamek scored a closer then the scores unanimous decision over Eddie Chambers in a a twelve round Heavyweight bout the featured recent world title challengers at the Prudential center.

It was a close fight that saw Chambers handicapped in the first round when he injured his left bicep. Chambers was forced to become a one handed fighter as he would pivot on his feet in order to throw jabs from a modified southpaw stance. Despite the disadvantage Chambers was able to get through with overhand rights as Adamek did not react well to the speed of Chambers.

Adamek got things rolling in the middle rounds as it was his pressure and volume to the tune of 919 to 462 punches thrown that caught the judges eyes yet Chambers out landed his foe 152-134.

A lot of the rounds were close but the judges chose the activity of Adamek over the accuracy of Chambers.

Adamek, 225 lbs of Gilowice, Poland won by scores of 116-112 on two card while a third card read an outlandish 119-109 tally. Adamek is now 46-2. Chambers, 202 lbs of Philadelphia is now 36-3.

Bryant Jennings remained undefeated and captured the USBA Heavyweight Title with a ten round unanimous decision over Steve Collins.

Jennings took a couple of rounds before opening up in round three. Jennings dropped Collins in round four from a combination that was started by an uppercut that ultimately pushed Collins into the ropes and the eight count was rendered. Over the next couple of rounds, Jennings landed some hard combinations and Collins showed a sturdy chin. Jennings continued to work the body and head with sots with both hands. Jennings rocked Collins at the end of round nine and cruised home with victory via 100-89 scores on each card.

Jennings,225 lbs of Philadelphia is 14-0. Collins, 244 lbs of Houston, TX is 25-2.

Jamaal Davis boxed his way to a eight round unanimous decision over hard punching Doel Carrasquillo in a Jr, Middleweight bout.

Davis, 154 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 79-73, 78-74 & 78-74and is now 14-8-1. Carrasquillo, 155 1/2 lbs of Lancaster,PA is now 16-20-1.

John Thompson remained perfect by boxing his way to a six round unanimous decision over John Mackey in a Middleweight bout.

Thompson used his decisive speed to pound out the decision by scores of 59-55, 59-55 and 58-56.

Thompson, 155 1/2 lbs of Newark is now 9-0. Mackey, 155 1/2 lbs of Washington, DC is 13-7-1.

Patrick Farrell dropped David Williams in round two and cruised home to afour round unanimous decision in a Heavyweight bout.

Farrell won by scores of 40-35, 40-35 and 39-36 and is now 7-1-1. Williams is 6-6-1.

Jose Mangu Peralta stopped Dontre King at 2:28 of round four of their scheduled six round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Peralta dropped King in round’s three and four. Peralts, 140 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 9-1 with five knockouts. King, 142 lbs of Cambridge, MD is now 6-11-2.

Former Olympian Taureano Johnson scored a six round unanimous decision over Roberto Yong in a Middleweight bout.

Johnson landed the harder blows which included several clipping over hand rights. Yong was game as he tried to fight back and did OK in spurts but it was the volume shots of Johnson that was the difference.

Johnson, 161 1/2 lbs of Nassau, Bahamas won by scores of 58-56 on all cards and is now 9-0. Yong, 162 lbs of Sacramento, CA is now 5-5-1.

On Saturday, June 16th, NBC Sports Network “Fight Night will return with Tomasz “Goral” Adamek vs. “Fast” Eddie Chambers at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The first fight will be 6:30pm at “The Rock” and the NBCSN broadcast will begin begin at 9PM ET.

The undercard is a true boxing fan’s dream:

Bryant Jennings:
Jennings made a big splash when he agreed to step into the very first NBC Sports Network Fight Night main event. Jennings beat Maurice Byarm that night, and has been on a roll ever since. His TKO of Sergei Liakhovich on NBCSN in March proved that Jennings was no fluke. This Saturday, Jennings, 13-0, 6 KOs, makes his third appearance on the series when he takes on Steve Collins, 25-1, 18 KOs for the USBA heavyweight title in the 10-round co-feature.

vs.

Steve Collins:
The once-defeated Texan Steve Collins, 25-1-1, 18 KOs, has twice as many pro bouts as the fast-rising Bryant Jennings, and has more knockouts than Jennings has fights. So, the “Freight Train”, as his fans call him, may present a stern challenge for the new NBCSN star. With all that power, Collins will certainly be looking to test Jennings’ chin. To help him out, the Texan will have height and weight advantages over the Philadelphian. Perhaps Collins can do what Jennings’ previous 13 opponents could not.

________________

Curtis Stevens:
In his first fight as a true middleweight (160 lbs.), Curtis Stevens, 22-3, 16 KOs, looks to make a splash before Adamek’s Polish fans at the Prudential Center, where he upset then undefeated Pitor Wilczewski, in his last start in Newark, on July 11, 2009. Curtis has extra incentive this time out now that his new baby boy, Amor, is in his life and inspiring him to work harder than ever. Stevens faces Marcus Upshaw, 14-7-2, 6 KOs, in an 8-rounder that will air on NBCSN between the co-feature and main event.

vs.

Marcus Upshaw:
Floridian Marcus Upshaw, 14-6-2, 6 KOs, is best known for his 2008 draw with James McGirt, Jr. His last time out he beat Durrell Richardson by unanimous decision. This time, he’s had a full five weeks of training camp, and comes to Newark with upset on his mind. The natural 160-pounder should be a real test for Curtis Stevens.

________________

Doel Carrasquillo:
Known as “The Upset King” to many, the heavy-handed Doel Carrasquillo is the kind of guy who is in the fight until the very end, even if he falls behind on the scorecards. Doel carries fight-ending power in both fists, as upset victims Shamone Alvarez (TKO5), Denis Doughlin (TKO3), and many others can attest. His deceiving record of 16-19-1, 14 KOs, has lulled many into thinking he is a push over, but Carrasquillo always comes to fight. Jamaal Davis will have to be careful in this one.

vs.

Jamaal Davis:
Jamaal “Da Truth” Davis, 13-8-1, 6 KOs, is coming off a solid decision victory over tough Eberto Medina, and is looking to stay in the win column against Carrasquillo, in this his second appearance at the Prudential Center. The classic Philly fighter, has faced one tough foe after another in his career, and is always prepared to do battle. Davis has the skills to beat Carrasquillo, but will have his hands full until the final bell. Davis will have to be at his best in this must-win fight.

________________

Jose Peralta:
Jersey City resident, Jose Peralta makes his third start at “the Rock” when he squares off against Dontre King of Maryland in a 6-round bout. In his last fight, Peralta topped Samuel Santana in tough battle, for his sixth straight victory. If he can keep that streak going against King, Peralta, 8-1, 4 KOs, may start turning some heads in the jr. welterweight division.

vs.

Dontre King:
This Maryland measuring stick figures to test Peralta, as he has numerous other young prospects. Although he lost his last bout, Dontre King went four for five before that. If taken lightly he’s a sleeper that is ready to pounce. He’s the type of guy Peralta has to be careful with. He’s not squeamish about taking out-of-town fights, or facing rising stars with pretty records. In fact, that’s exactly what he does.

_____________

John Thompson:
Known as the “Apollo Kid”, John Thompson is a hometown middleweight making his first-ever start at Prudential Center. He’ll try to impress the boxing-smart Newark crowd when he puts his spotless, 8-0, 3 KOs record on the line against journeyman John Mackey of Montgomery, AL. The 22-bout veteran is the most experienced fighter Thompson has ever faced.

vs.

John Mackey:
It was not so long ago that John Mackey, 13-6-3, 6 KOs, dished a 15-0 Donald Orr his first career setback. He’ll be looking to do the same against John Thompson Saturday night. He’s previously fought before the action-hungry Prudential Center crowd, so he knows he has to come to fight. In his last bout, Mackey held 11-1 Vladine Biosse to an 8-round draw. Thompson’s mere 8-0 record has Mackey licking his chops.

_________________

Tureano Johnson:
Undefeated Tureano Johnson looks to extend his pro winning streak to nine straight with his first trip to “the Rock”. Only two fighters have avoided being knocked out by Johnson, a native of the Bahamas. As an amateur, Johnson had more than 300 bouts and spent three years in the Cuban amateur boxing program, which to a boxer, is like getting a Harvard education. Johnson faces Roberto Yong on Saturday.

vs.

Roberto Yong:
Roberto Yong is coming off his upset of skilled Philadelphian Fred Jenkins, Jr. His two-fisted power punching shocked the undefeated Jenkins, who may have been caught looking past Yong’s ordinary-looking 5-4-1, 4 KOs, record. No doubt Yong will be looking to surprise Tureano Johnson when they meet in their six-round middleweight scrap.

_____________

Patrick Farrell:
A fireman from Jersey City, heavyweight Patrick Farrell, 6-1-1, 3 KOs, is no stranger to the Pru Center fans. His 4-rounder against Philly’s David Williams on Saturday will be his fourth appearance at the venue. Farrell’s only loss came at the hands of another Philadelphian, so he will be looking for some measure of revenge against Williams.

vs.

David Williams:
Philadelphia’s David Williams will be looking to end his three-bout losing streak when he gets in the ring with Patrick Farrell. Williams lost to rising star Bryant Jennings about one year ago, so he’s been in with some very stiff competition. He should provide a good test for Farrell, who’s 50% KO percentage may not be enough to send Williams back to Philly early.

FIGHT INFO: The June 16th NBC Sports Network Fight Night card at Newark’s Prudential Center features Tomasz Adamek vs. Eddie Chambers. Co-featured on the card will be Bryant Jennings vs. Steve Collins, Garrett, Indiana, 25-1,18 KO’s. The NBCSN broadcast will begin at 9PM ET. Co-featured on the card will be fellow heavyweights Bryant Jennings vs. Steve Collins. Between the main event and the co-feature, Curtis Stevens takes on Marcus Upshaw in a middleweight battle. The NBCSN broadcast will begin at 9PM ET.The card is presented by Main Events in association with Peltz Boxing, Ziggy Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Tickets priced at $254 ringside, $104, $79, and $54 available through Ticketmaster: online at www.ticketmaster.com; Charge-by-phone: 1-800-745-3000; Ticketmaster Express 866-448-7849; and Ticketmaster ticket centers. Tickets are also available at Prudential Center’s Box Office and www.prucenter.com.

NBC Sports Network

“Fight Night 36: Eddie Chambers” Air Dates

TV-PG

Upcoming Air Times for “Fight Night 36: Eddie Chambers”

June 13, 9:00 PM
June 14, 9:30 AM

June 14, 7:30 PM
June 15, 9:00 AM
June 15, 11:00 PM
June 16, 6:00 PM
June 16, 8:30 PM
June 17, 11:00 PM

NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)

Saturday, June 16, 9-11 pm – Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

Friday, September 21, 9-11pm – Site TBA
Saturday, December 8, 9-11 pm – Site TBA

To find the location of the NBC Sports Network on your local cable, satellite or IPTV provider, click here:http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30092015/ns/sports/

Tweet the link to NBC Sports Network Fight Night channel finder: bit.ly/175UuU
Twitter: #FightNight
Twitter: @main_events @NBCSN
Facebook:facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing facebook.com/NBCSports

On Saturday, June 16, Tomasz “Goral” Adamek, the Pride of Poland, will take on “Fast” Eddie Chambers in a clash of heavyweight contenders at the Prudential Center in Newark. Earlier in the day, the Polish national soccer team will face the Czech Republic in the first round of the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament.

Worried about choosing? Don’t be! Head over to Newark in the afternoon to catch the soccer match on TV in one of the great local bars near the Prudential Center then head inside to watch the fights live when the match is over – a true sports fan experience!

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (224 Market Street) will supply Polish flavor for the match with $21 buckets of Okocim beer (6 bottles per bucket).

Brick City Bar & Grill (35 Edison Place) will have happy hour throughout the soccer match: $7 apps, $4 domestic drafts, $5 Avion Tequila shots, $7 specialty martinis.

Loft 47 (47 Edison Place) is offering $15 buckets of beer (Budweiser, Bud Light and Bud Lime).

FIGHT INFO: The June 16th NBC Sports Network Fight Night card at Newark’s Prudential Center features Tomasz Adamek vs. Eddie Chambers. Co-featured on the card will be Bryant Jennings vs. Steve Collins, Garrett, Indiana, 25-1,18 KO’s. The NBCSN broadcast will begin at 9PM ET. The card is presented by Main Events in association with Peltz Boxing, Ziggy Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Tickets priced at $254 ringside, $104, $79, and $54 available through Ticketmaster: online at www.ticketmaster.com; Charge-by-phone: 1-800-745-3000; Ticketmaster Express 866-448-7849; and Ticketmaster ticket centers. Tickets are also available at Prudential Center’s Box Office and www.prucenter.com.

NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)

Saturday, June 16, 9-11 pm – Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

Friday, September 21, 9-11pm – Site TBA
Saturday, December 8, 9-11 pm – Site TBA

To find the location of the NBC Sports Network on your local cable, satellite or IPTV provider, click here:http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30092015/ns/sports/

Tweet the link to NBC Sports Network Fight Night channel finder: bit.ly/175UuU
Twitter: #FightNight
Twitter: @main_events @NBCSN
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing facebook.com

NBC Sports Network’s second installment of Fight Night 36 premieres tomorrow night with a look at Heavyweight contender, Eddie Chambers as he prepares for his big fight against Tomasz Adamek on June 16th.

NBC’s Fight Night 36 follows Chambers as he leaves his home environment for the first time and trains at the legendary Kronk gym in Detroit. Cameras capture Chambers as he works, trains for the fight and even has a little fun. During a moment that only Fight Night 36 could capture, cameras travel with Chambers to a local hotdog stand in Detroit where he takes a break from his strict diet and forces himself to take one bite of a hotdog.

Fight Night 36 is a collaboration of NBC Sports and P3 Entertainment.

NBC Sports Network

“Fight Night 36: Eddie Chambers” Air Dates

TV-PG

Upcoming Air Times for “Fight Night 36: Eddie Chambers”

June 13, 9:00 PM
June 14, 9:30 AM
June 14, 7:30 PM
June 15, 9:00 AM
June 15, 11:00 PM
June 16, 6:00 PM
June 16, 8:30 PM
June 17, 11:00 PM

FIGHT INFO: The June 16th NBC Sports Network Fight Night card at Newark’s Prudential Center features Tomasz Adamek vs. Eddie Chambers. Co-featured on the card will be Bryant Jennings vs. Steve Collins, Garrett, Indiana, 25-1,18 KO’s. The NBCSN broadcast will begin at 9PM ET. The card is presented by Main Events in association with Peltz Boxing, Ziggy Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Tickets priced at $254 ringside, $104, $79, and $54 available through Ticketmaster: online at www.ticketmaster.com; Charge-by-phone: 1-800-745-3000; Ticketmaster Express 866-448-7849; and Ticketmaster ticket centers. Tickets are also available at Prudential Center’s Box Office and www.prucenter.com.

NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)

Saturday, June 16, 9-11 pm – Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

Friday, September 21, 9-11pm – Site TBA
Saturday, December 8, 9-11 pm – Site TBA

To find the location of the NBC Sports Network on your local cable, satellite or IPTV provider, click here:http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30092015/ns/sports/

Tweet the link to NBC Sports Network Fight Night channel finder: bit.ly/175UuU
Twitter: #FightNight
Twitter: @main_events @NBCSN
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing facebook.com/NBCSports

Loft 47, Newark, NJ – A press conference was held today for the upcoming NBC Sports Network Fight Night card, June 16 at Prudential Center, Newark NJ. The card features a 10 round bout between Tomasz Adamek and Eddie Chambers. Co-featured on the card will be Bryant Jennings vs. Steve Collins.

Chambers and Adamek
Photo Credits: Wojciech Kubik – Kubikfoto

Here’s what eveyone had to say:

Gary Quinn, Sr. Director, Program Planning and Acquisitions: “I come bearing very good news from the television side of this series. We could not be more pleased about the way we have started off this series, with the January and the March shows. There was some apprehension to be brutally honest about getting back into the boxing business, but all those fears are gone and the wonderful thing is that we can build more and more continuity. The ratings for the January and the March shows really exceeded our expectations. The nice thing about the March show is that everyone was saying . ‘Well nobody young watches boxing anymore.’ Well our strongest demo for that fight was men 18 to 34, so that’s a very key stat. We think Main Events and Peltz boxing built a very good buzz leading up to the fight, and we certainly appreciate all the support of the boxing community. We are also very happy to announce that we have added another date for our “Fight Night” series on September 21st “.

Kathy Duva, CEO Main Events: “It’s funny, There’s no champion here, there’s no challenger, It’s a 10-rounder between two guys who are top five fighters and it’s sadly become a rarity in the heavyweight division. We hope to make that a much more common occurrence as we go forward with NBC. We are really pleased that this fight is going to be that kind of pick ’em fight. If you look on the boxing websites you see the comments. One guy says I’m picking Chambers, the next guy says I’m picking Adamek, well that’s what makes a great boxing match. This is a fight that both guys are certain they are coming to win.

Jennings, Chambers, Duva, Adamek

Photo Credits: Yvette Beshier, 1Lifeboxing.com

James Bashir, Chambers Trainer: “It is a breath of fresh air to be working with someone who wants to fight with the best. You couldn’t ask for a better match up. These are two guys who want it, two different styles clashing and two guys who are not trying to avoid anything in boxing. Ziggy (Rozalski, Adamek’s advisor) said to me earlier, ‘We were surprised that Eddie took this fight,’ and I said ‘Hmm, we were surprised that Tomasz took this fight!’ Not only does this fight do good for the fans, not only does this fight do good for the heavyweight division, this fight does good for boxing period! Boxing needs healing and these guys meeting each other at this level is great! It’s a great fight. It’s one of the most exciting fights out there. Mayweather and Cotto are getting ready to fight, but to me it’s a fight that should have happened five years ago. This fight is happening right on time. Both guys have met and been defeated by the Klitschko brothers and where else do you go but right back to the top by fighting the best in the division? So on the 16th we are going to match wits to see who is the best guy to go back and meet the champions.”

Chambers, Jennings and Adamek

Photo Credits to Mike Gladysz

Eddie Chambers: “I really think this opportunity is great for all parties involved. It’s almost like back in the days when I was growing up, you had those three channels and you could still get the fights. We are starting to get that back, where everybody could see the fights. I think it’s great. I think you couldn’t have put two more classy fighters in the ring together -two fighters that are going to fight, similar styles, more action. I know Tomasz is going to have a lot of fans coming to support him, so please come out and support me!”

Eddie Chambers
Photo Credit: Jayson Colon/FightImages.com

Tomasz Adamek: “I am very excited to come back to Prudential Center. I want to give a good fight to my fans. I think for everybody this is a good situation, it is very close to my home and all my fans can come to see me.”

Tomasz Adamek

Photo Credit: Jayson Colon/FightImages.com

FIGHT INFO:

The June 16th NBC Sports Network Fight Night card at Newark’s Prudential Center features Tomasz Adamek vs. Eddie Chambers. Co-featured on the card will be Bryant Jennings vs. Steve Collins, Garrett, Indiana, 25-1,18 KO’s. The NBCSN broadcast will begin at 9PM ET. Prudential doors open at 6:00PM. The card is presented by Main Events in association with Peltz Boxing, Ziggy Promotions and Goosen Tutor Promotions.

Ticket priced at $254 ringside, $104, $79, and $54 available through Ticketmaster: online at www.ticketmaster.com; Charge-by-phone: 1-800-745-3000; Ticketmaster Express 866-448-7849; and Ticketmaster ticket centers. Tickets are also available at Prudential Center’s Box Office and www.prucenter.com.

Ticket priced at $254 ringside, $104, $79, and $54 available through Ticketmaster: online at www.ticketmaster.com; Charge-by-phone: 1-800-745-3000; Ticketmaster Express 866-448-7849; and Ticketmaster ticket centers. Tickets are also available at Prudential Center’s Box Office and www.prucenter.com.

TOTOWA, NJ – Main Events announced today that Tomasz Adamek and Eddie Chambers will face off in a battle of heavyweight contenders, on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at the Prudential Center, in Newark, NJ. The fight is the feature bout of the fourth edition of NBC Sports Network’s nationally televised “Fight Night” boxing series. The TV broadcast will begin at 9PM ET.

The competitive 10-round contest pits two former title challengers against each other
in an important fight that should move the winner up the heavyweight ladder, and place him closer to a second crack at one of the Klitschko brothers. Given the goal of both Adamek and Chambers is to win the heavyweight title, it figures that they are approaching this fight as a “must-win”.

Adamek, 45-2, 28 KOs, a former world light-heavyweight and cruiserweight champion, faced Vitali Klitschko for the WBC belt last September. Tomasz lost that bid for the heavyweight title by TKO after ten rounds, but bounced back nicely in March with an impressive points win over tough Nagy Aguilera in Brooklyn, NY. Adamek is driven to earn another chance at boxing’s biggest title.

Adamek spoke of Chambers, “”They say Eddie Chambers has fast hands and likes to throw punches. I am also fast and I like to throw punches. I think on June 16th we will have a very exciting fight.” Adamek is very pleased to be returning to Prudential Center, “For me the most important part of the fight is to please the boxing fans. At Prudential Center I always have many fans come to cheer me on, it is very loud, exciting. I think it will be a good show.”

In 2010, Eddie Chambers, 36-2, 18 KOs, took on IBF-WBO-IBO-Ring Magazine champion Wladimir Klitschko, in his lone try for the heavyweight crown, but was stopped in the 12th and final round. Since that bout, Chambers defeated Derric Rossy by lopsided unanimous 12-round decision, in Atlantic City last year. Chambers, a Pittsburgh-born Philly fighter, is considered by many to be the best American heavyweight on the scene.

“I never went away, but once I beat Adamek, I’m right back in the middle of it all,” said Chambers. “All respect to Tomasz. He’s exciting and has a lot of heart, but I’ll be ready for anything.”

The fight between the two contenders appears to be a fascinating clash of styles, with the aggressive Adamek likely to press Chambers, the quick-fisted boxer. Whichever fighter can do their thing better, should come out on top. But going in, this fight is too close to call.

The setting for the fight should also add a layer of excitement to the event. The Prudential Center is home turf for the Polish-born Adamek, who fights out of Jersey City. In the past, he has crammed “The Rock” numerous times with his loyal fan base, but Chambers should also expect solid support from his Philadelphia backers, just an hour’s drive away. With so much on the line between the two popular boxers, a boisterous crowd is expected to jam-pack the arena for this important heavyweight showdown.

Kathy Duva talked about the event, “This is the kind of competitive ‘pick ’em’ fight that the NBC Sports Network Fight Night Series is all about,” promoter Kathy Duva said. “We expect that Prudential Center will be a sea of red and white as Adamek makes his first appearance there in over a year. It will be a night of pure excitement and lots of fun. I can’t wait.”

Tickets will go on sale shortly. Details to follow.

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (January 18, 2012) – Former world heavyweight champion Sergei “The White Wolf” Liakhovich is not fighting this Saturday because his scheduled opponent, “Fast” Eddie Chambers, failed in a timely fashion to notify Team Liakhovich that he was pulling out of their fight due to broken ribs, which resulted in the cancellation of their fight as well as insufficient time to find a suitable replacement for Chambers..

Liakhovich (25-4, 16 KOs) and Chambers (36-2, 18 KOs) were scheduled to headline Saturday’s NBC Sport Network’s “Fight Night” debut show live from Philadelphia’s Asylum Arena.

“Eddie Chambers is trying to save face in the press but I want to set the story straight by telling everyone what really happened,” Liakhovich said. “Chambers’ medical report about his broken ribs is dated, January 6, 2012. He knew about his broken ribs back then but he didn’t let us know until January 13, seven days before our fight. Instead of shooting his mouth off to the press for a week about how easily he was going to beat me, when he already knew he was not going to fight me, he and his team should have acted professionally and immediately informed my team of his injury. If we had two week’s notice, I have no doubt that finding a suitable replacement and making training adjustments wouldn’t have been a problem, but it was a serious problem trying to do so with only seven days to go before the fight.

“I think boxers like Chambers should be punished by every promoter and networks should know how he operates. He plays the good guy to the press, but Chambers is a fake. He didn’t have the simple decency to tell another athlete about him pulling out of the fight as soon as he knew. It was his obligation to inform everyone immediately.I wasted six weeks of training, as well as the expenses for training camp, and now I’m not fighting because of his actions. NBC Sport Network, Main Events and everyone involved had to scramble to put together a main event at the last minute, all the results of Chamber’s action. He is all talk and no action. So, for now, Chambers is history.”

Liakhovich, a 1996 Bellarusian Olympian, captured the World Boxing Association (“WBO”) heavyweight title in 2006 by way of a unanimous 12-round decision over Lamon Brewster.

Already in top shape for his now cancelled fight against Chambers, Sergei is now targeting world heavyweight contender Chris Arreola. “Arreola is waiting for another big payday to fight one of the Klitschkos,” Liakhovich commented. “He’s been fighting journeyman after journeyman. How about a real fight with me? I challenge Arreola to take a fight with me. This is a fight boxing fans would love to watch.”

Heavyweight contender discusses his disappointing injury that forced him to pull out with his bout against Sergei Liakhovich

Heavyweight contender Eddie Chambers suffered displaced fractures of his left anterior ninth and tenth ribs in training and, therefore, has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled 10-round bout with Sergei Liakhovich on the inaugural NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night card from the Asylum Arena in Philadelphia, PA on January 21st.

Promoters Main Events and Peltz Boxing have reached out for a replacement for Chambers and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

During a recent media event at Joe Hand Gym Boxing Gym in Philadelphia, fighters, promoters and network officials agreed that getting back to boxing basics in the City of Brotherly Love was just what the doctor ordered.

Gary Quinn, Senior Director, Program Planning and Aquisitions, NBC Sports Group, explained how Philadelphia ties in to the NBC Sports Network Fight Night game plan, “What we think puts us in a unique position to make this series succeed is now that we have the NBC Sports Group formulated, we’ve got 4 media platforms: we’ve got the NBC broadcast network; we’ve got the 24/7 NBC Sports Network; we have the 12 regional sports networks; and our digital platforms. It’s no coincidence that we are here in Philadelphia where we have one of the strongest RSN’s (Regional Sports Network) with CSN (Comcast SportsNet) Philly.”

Quinn added, “So you can say, ‘okay you’ve got the promotional platform, but you’ve got to have the product to make it work.’ We think we do. We’ve come up with a model that resembled what we did back in the day when The Fight Doctor (Ferdie Pacheco) said, ‘The key is putting crossroads fights on. You don’t have to worry about titles; you don’t have to worry about records. You want to match styles that will put on a good show.’ We feel Kathy (Duva) and Russell (Peltz) have done a great job on this card from top to bottom. That’s going to be the theme, to put on wars that have our viewers wanting more and more.”

Kathy Duva, CEO Main Events, explained the location for the debut show, “Philadelphia has a powerful boxing history and many avid boxing fans, we want to use that to make our show successful. Five of the eight bouts on this amazing card feature fighters that are from Philly. We want people in the audience that are from Philadelphia, so that everyone in the arena has a rooting interest, so we know they are going to make a lot of noise. This is why we chose Philly fighters like Gabriel Rosado and Ray Robinson to be on the undercard, they make terrific fights and have a big following. This will make for a great night in the arena and on TV.”

Ray Robinson, 12-2, 5 KO’s, will be in an 8 round welterweight fight against Doel Carasquillo, of Frederica, DE, 16-18-1, 14 KO’s. He assured the crowd that he was ready to put on a great show, “This is going to be an action-packed fight. Anybody that knows me knows I bring the fight. I’m a great boxer. I’ve trained hard enough for anything. I’ll make sure that it’s going to be a great fight on January 21st because it is on my birthday!”

Ray Robinson –
Credits: Philly Boxing History

Fellow Philadelphian, Gabriel Rosado, 18-5, 10 KO’s, faces Jesus Soto Karass of Los Mochis, 24-6-3, 16 KO’s, in what promises to be a 10 round junior welterweight war. Rosado ensured his fans that he was ready to give them a rousing show, “I am excited about this card. Soto Karass is a tough guy and I am excited to make a statement. I am going to show that I am a heavy hitter at 154. It’s going to be one helluva fight. Soto Karass is gonna bring it. I’m ready for everything. I have a big following and they’re all gonna come. I can’t wait.”

Gabriel Rosado –
Credits: Philly Boxing History

Kathy Duva spoke of choosing the main event for the NBCSN Fight Night debut show, “When the time comes to try to actually make the fights that everybody wants to see, you find out it’s a lot harder than you thought it might be. As we went through the list, we found consistently that in the heavyweight division there were a lot more people willing to fight each other than anywhere else. And I think that that’s a good thing.” She went on to say, “There’s a lot of talk about how the heavyweight division isn’t what it used to be. Well I’ll tell you, in recent years the only opportunity for heavyweights was to wait their turn to go to Germany and get beat up by one of the Klitschko’s. That does not make for becoming a better fighter, that does not cause anyone to learn or get better. What makes a great fighter is that they have to be in competitive fights, they have to learn as they go along.”

“We were delighted when we were able to make arrangements with Eddie Chamber’s promoter, Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor to bring him to this show. He hasn’t fought in Philadelphia in a very long time, so this is a bit of a homecoming for him. He is one of the top heavyweights in the world and he has agreed to fight another one of the top heavyweights in the world, Sergei Liakhovich. This is exactly the kind of match we were looking for. They both have a lot at stake, they are both going to come in and do their best, and they’re both going to try to win,” Duva concluded.

Philadelphia resident, Eddie Chambers, 36-2, 18 KO’s, was in very good spirits as he discussed his upcoming battle with Sergei Liakhovich, Scottsdale, AZ, 25-4, 16 KO’s, on NBC Sports Network, “I’d really like to thank NBC for stepping up to the plate and trying to bring boxing back to what it used to be. I hate to disappoint NBC because they want competitive fights and all, but in my opinion this is not going to be a competitive fight.” He confidently boasted, “I got a lot of respect for Sergei; he’s been a world champion; a really good fighter; but I think I’m a little more advanced than he is! I think I pose a lot of threats to him. I’ve watched some his tapes, and some of the things he’s done. It doesn’t hurt that I am probably in the best shape that I’ve ever been in. I think it’s not going to be easy, but I think what I bring to the table is going to be too much for him to handle.”

To find NBC Sports Network on your TV, visit http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/ and use the NBC Sports Network Channel Finder on the right-hand side of the webpage.

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Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. ET on January 21st.
Televised bouts begin at 9 p.m. ET. Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922, or online at www.peltzboxing.com

Former world Heavyweight title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers talks about his January 21st fight with Sergei Liakhovich

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva talks about the 1st show on NBC Sports Network that will feature Eddie Chambers and Sergei Liakhovich on January 21st in Philadelphia

Press conference to announce NBC Sports Network first boxing show that will take place on January 21st in Philadelphia featuring Eddie Chambers taking on Sergei Liakhovich

On Saturday, January 21, boxing fans will be treated to an all-out war at the Asylum Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when hometown favorite “King” Gabriel Rosado (18-5, 10 KO’s) battles Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico’s Jesus Soto Karass (24-6-3, 16 KO’s) in a ten-round junior middleweight showdown live on NBC Sports Network at 9pm E/T. The bout is part of a fan-pleasing card headlined by a ten-round heavyweight clash between “Fast” Eddie Chambers (36-2, 18 KO’s) and Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich (25-4, 16 KO’s), and is the first of four outstanding fight cards to be televised by the network this year.

Rosado, 25, has never been in a dull fight due to his crowd-pleasing style, and is riding a four-fight winning streak heading into his contest with Soto Karass. Rosado’s technique is very exciting for fight fans because he uses adept lateral movement remarkably well, but always ends up in a blow-for-blow fracas with the opposition.

Rosado is ecstatic to fight again in his hometown of Philadelphia and says he is prepared to take on Soto Karass. “He’s coming up to my weight class,” stated Rosado. “I have the size advantage, and I am going to use my power more in this fight. I could always box, but I am going to back this guy up!” Rosado added, “He’s used to guys boxing him. I am not going to give him a comfort zone. I am going to overpower him, walk him down and back him up. I will take him out of his element.”

Soto Karass, 29, has a granite chin, and has never been knocked out in a prize fight. From December of 2005 thru August of 2009, Soto Karass did not sustain a loss, compiling a record of (13-0-1, 6 KO’s). He dropped his last four ring appearances, going 0-3 with one no-contest, in bloody – and sometimes controversial -fashion.

Soto Karass is not one to take a backward step from his challengers, which was clearly exhibited in his two confrontations with Mike Jones, the first of which he lost in a highly-contested, ten-round majority decision on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito. Soto Karass wore Jones down with relentless pressure, taking an enormous amount of punishment to dish out his own damaging shots in a back and forth melee.

Soto Karass believes NBC Sports Network could not have chosen a better opponent for Rosado, “Everyone that has seen me fight knows that when they come to watch me they are going to get a great show. With Rosado, it’s a fight that will be a give and take war. I know that Rosado is more of a boxer, this camp we’ve been working my on my boxing. And if I have to go forward, I’ll go forward, no problem.” Soto Karass added, “This fight will be a little more intelligent, but I really do see this becoming a war. The boxing fans should definitely watch this, they will not be disappointed.”

If there was ever a fight deemed a “crossroads fight” in boxing, Rosado vs. Soto Karass is certainly it. Neither man can afford another loss on their record. There’s no better recipe for an exhilarating fight than two guys desperate for victory, battling in a packed Philadelphia boxing venue. NBC Sports Network and boxing fans everywhere won the moment this fight was signed.

Contributed in part by -Michael Seiler – The Boxing Republic

Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Televised fights will begin at 9 p.m.Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922 or online at www.peltzboxing.com

NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)

Saturday, January 21, 9-11 p.m. – Philadelphia

Saturday, March 24, 10 p.m.-Midnight – Site TBA

Saturday, June 16, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

Saturday, December 8, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

In a bout that has the makings of a match made in boxing heaven, former Heavyweight Champion Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich takes on top Heavyweight Contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers to open the new NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night on January 21, 2012, at 9pm, at Asylum Arena in Philadelphia.

Sergei is a native of Belarus and grew up in the former Soviet Union. He attributes his upbringing to the type of fighter and person he is today. “Growing up in Belarus was the best life lesson for me. It prepared me for all the challenges that life brings.” “It made me stronger and hungrier for a better life.” Someone once said ‘sports does not build character, it reveals it,’ growing up in Belarus definitely helped build my character!”

Since he was 12 years old, Liakhovich always dreamed of becoming a professional boxer. When Sergei was young he would cut out articles from newspapers and magazines which featured fighters like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. He envisaged becoming a boxing icon. “I knew that the United States was the most important place to be in order to make it big in professional boxing. When I was 23, I obtained one of my goals by coming to the US, it wasn’t easy. Becoming World Champion at 29 was the next big accomplishment, now I intend to continue the dream by becoming a world champion again” Sergei said.

Commenting about fighting in a city with a rich boxing heritage, Liakhovich said, “Philadelphia has so much boxing history and true boxing fans. I grew up in the working class city, so this feels like going home to me. One of the biggest compliments you can have as a fighter is when you can turn a crowd that comes to support the home town guy into your own fans by the end of the fight. It happened in Pittsburgh when I fought Brewster and I think it will happen again in Philly.”

Sergei is pleased to be on NBC Sports Network’s inaugural Fight Night show, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to be in the main event on NBC Sports Network’s opening show. NBC is an important part of worldwide TV and to be chosen for this show was a privilege. Anyone who knows me knows that I give my all each time I step in the ring. I promise you nothing less on January 21st. In fact, since our styles match perfectly, when Chambers and I mix it up, it will be a night boxing fans will talk about!”

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Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Televised fights will begin at 9 p.m.Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922.

NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)

Saturday, January 21, 9-11 p.m. – Philadelphia

Saturday, March 24, 10 p.m.-Midnight – Site TBA

Saturday, June 16, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

Saturday, December 8, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

When he opens the new NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night series on January 21, 2012 at Asylum Arena in his hometown of Philadelphia, top Heavyweight Contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers has promised to impress Philly’s discerning boxing fans and make lots of new ones. According to Chambers, taking on former World Heavyweight Champion Siarhei “White Wolf” Liakhovich in a high profile, nationally televised fight is a great way to showcase the sport and bring new fans for the Sweet Science.

“I want people outside of boxing and new fans coming in to know just how hard I work, and how much work all fighters put in,” Chambers said. “I believe that the Heavyweight Championship is the most coveted title in sports. Everyone loves a Gladiator and that is what boxing is about. NBC Sports Network stepping up to the table will hopefully get fans to take a look at the sport once again and jump on the band wagon. This is exactly what we need. I know when the fans tune in January 21st they will not be disappointed.”

Chambers continued, “I am training extremely hard and it is great having the opportunity to be fighting back in front of your fans, your people, and knowing that most of the people that are there in the crowd are for you.” He went on to say that he loves fighting in places like Germany, but there is no place like home.

Boxing has been in Eddie Chamber’s blood since he was a child growing up in Pittsburgh. His father, Eddie Chambers Sr. was a boxer back in the 1970s. Eddie Sr. taught his son how to hold his hands properly to throw a punch at the tender age of 9. Starting around the age of 12, Eddie Sr. would sit with Eddie and watch films of all the great fighters such as “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, and of course Muhammad Ali. After two years of arguing with his father to allow him to box, Eddie Jr. finally got the chance at the age of 14 when he enrolled in a local Pittsburgh Golden Gloves Tournament.

Eddie turned professional at the age of 18 on December 29, 2000. He defeated Tyrone Austin by second round knockout in West Virginia. His next professional fight occurred just two months later in his now adopted hometown of Philadelphia, PA one of the best boxing cities in the world and the ultimate proving ground for young, up-and-coming fighters.

When I was 18 and 19, I was fighting at the Blue Horizon,” Chambers said. Those were some of the toughest fights I have ever had and there was so much pressure to do well. The crowd always gives you their best and there is so much history. Philadelphia has the best fans, but they will definitely let you know how they feel. There are so many great venues around the city and such great history. I want to make my own history and be among the greatest.”

On March 20, 2010, Chambers took on Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf, Germany for the WBO, IBF, and IBO Heavyweight Championship of the World. Chambers gave a valiant effort and performance in the ring before losing via knockout in the waning seconds of the fight. At 6’1, 210 lbs, Chambers gave up five inches and nearly 35 pounds to Klitschko. Chambers posed a challenge to Klitschko with speed and toughness that nearly carried Chambers the distance of the fight. Chambers was the first person in two years to make it to the twelfth round against the tough Ukrainian.

Chambers did not fight again until February 11, 2011, when he took on a former opponent who he knocked out a few years earlier in Derric Rossy. In an IBF Title Eliminator, Chambers defeated Rossy once again, this time by unanimous decision.

Looking toward his upcoming challenge, Chambers describes Liakhovich as a good fighter who fought a great match when he won the title by beating Lamon Brewster in 2006. “Liakhovich is a very competitive and very live opponent. I think our style match up will make for a very exciting fight. Right now Liakhovich is in my way. I always respect my opponent, but I have to knock him out of the way. I plan on doing that and taking care of business on January 21st in impressive fashion.”

Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922.

Philadelphia heavyweight contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers takes on former World Heavyweight Champion Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich on Saturday, January 21st when the NBC Sports Network (currently named VERSUS) brings its inaugural NBC Sports Network Fight Night broadcast to the City of Brotherly Love.

Making his first hometown appearance since 2008, Chambers, (36-2, 18 KO’s), who learned to fight in Philly’s legendary gyms, will have his hands full when he faces “The White Wolf” of Scottsdale, AZ (25-4, 16 KO’s) at Philadelphia’s Asylum Arena. A former Russian Olympian, Liakhovich is an aggressive, heavy-handed competitor who rarely takes a step backwards and always makes great fights. His epic 2006 brawl with Lamon Brewster, when the native of Vitebsk, Belarus won the WBO Heavyweight Championship, is still characterized by many boxing pundits as the best heavyweight fight of the past ten years.

Opening the television broadcast at 9 p.m. will be a blistering junior middleweight battle between “King” Gabriel Rosado of Philadelphia (18-5, 10 KO’s) and Jesus Soto-Karass of Tijuana, Mexico (24-6, 16 KO’s). “Soto-Karass made his reputation in two wars with Mike Jones,” NBCSN Fight Night’s Hall of Fame matchmaker Russell Peltz said, referring to a recent pair of thrilling bouts involving Soto-Karass and Jones, the world’s number one welterweight contender. “Rosado vs. Soto-Karass is a huge fight in Philly,” he commented. “It’s the kind of bout where records don’t matter. It’s all about the fight in the ring and there will be action from the first bell.”

“Our ambition with this series is to make interesting, competitive fights that are relevant to the markets where they take place,” said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events. “In short, fights that people would pay to see. I think that this card delivers on all of those counts and I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at the Asylum when the fighters touch gloves.”

Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Productions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. The remainder of the card will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets priced at $45 and $65 can be reserved by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that the IBF has named Tony Thompson the mandatory challenger for champion Wladimir Klitschko after Eddie Chambers deemed himself unavailable to take on Thompson.

Chambers was due to fight Thompson on October 28th but couldn’t fight due to a back injury and when he could not fight on the proposed December 17th date, The IBF elevated Thompson to the top spot to rematch Klistchko of a fight that saw the champion stop Thompson in the 11th round in July of 2008.

“I was borderline sappy. I really felt I was going to start bawling like a baby because I wanted this opportunity so bad,” Thompson told ESPN.com on Monday.

“Knowing I wasn’t at 100 percent has been eating away at me for the past three years,” said Thompson, who fought with an injured knee that required surgery following the fight. “Now to have another opportunity at the ripe old age of 40, I will be at my best in terms of conditioning and my knowledge of the game. This means everything to me.”

“Eddie, in essence, forfeited his opportunity and felt he was wasn’t going to be prepared physically or mentally for the rescheduled date,” said Dan Goossen, who promotes Thompson and Chambers. “So the IBF obviously took the position, which we certainly agreed with, that there was a box-off to get to the final eliminator and anything other than naming Tony the mandatory wasn’t right. Tony did everything he was supposed to do, including prepare himself for Oct. 28 and begin preparing himself for Dec. 17 if Eddie was going to participate.

“We would have all preferred that the fight occurred to establish the mandatory, but it didn’t work out that way. I was one of the voices to Eddie telling him this was an opportunity that very few people get. I told him, ‘I would give it careful consideration to make sure you make the right decision.’ When things get down to it, it’s always up to the fighter. I’m not going to talk a fighter into it if the fighter doesn’t feel like he is physically or mentally ready for whatever reason. We are in very rough sport. You can get hurt when you are physically and mentally prepared to fight and the chances are even more so if you are not.”

“As down as Tony was when he heard Eddie wasn’t fighting, obviously he is excited for the chance to fight Wladimir again,” Goossen said. “He told me on the phone when he found out he was the mandatory, ‘Dan, I promise you I’m gonna knock out Wladimir Klitschko and become heavyweight champion of the world.’ I just have that belief that Tony can surprise a lot of people when that opportunity happens.

“He has eight kids and works his butt off to take care of them. He knows what hardship is and what’s in front of him. He’s gotten better and better as the years have gone on. He doesn’t like to talk about it, but he had a bad knee in the first fight and he never complained about it.”

“It wouldn’t be fair to me to make me fight a guy who didn’t have a preliminary fight (in the box-off), so I feel the IBF made a fair decision and I’m thankful,” Thompson said.

“He was always leery of the fight and the purse he was being offered when all this started, but to come this late in a training camp and then pull out I was surprised,” Thompson said. “But he called me and assured me he does have a legitimate injury. He wanted to assure me he wasn’t pulling the wool over my eyes and wanted to assure me as a buddy.

“Had he put me through another training camp and then pulled out (before the rescheduled date) that would have been worse. Now I can start preparing for Wladimir right now. Yes, I was angry I didn’t get to perform on Showtime (on Oct. 28) and bring a fight to the public, but I’m always a glass half-full guy. I am where I wanted to be — in position to fight Wladimir Klitschko for the heavyweight championship of the world.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that IBF number-one ranked Heavyweight “Fast” Eddie Chambers will not be able to compete in next Friday night’s mandated elimination bout with Tony Thompson due to a back injury.

Originally a tripleheader, the show will now feature two televised bouts, with super middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales (14-0, 10 KOs) facing veteran Ossie Duran (26-8-2, 9 KOs), and 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier Molina (9-0, 4 KOs) against Artemio Reyes (13-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout.

“It’s always disappointing when you have a fight with a lot on the line and one of the fighters gets hurt. There’s nothing you can do about it. It’s part of the sport,” Dan Goossen, who promotes Thompson and Chambers, told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “It’s one of the breaks of the game. I just hate to see Tony Thompson putting all this hard work in and now he’s faced with not fighting next Friday.”

“This has been an ongoing thing and it just caught up to me,” Chambers told ESPN.com. “My back has always been tight and that’s a very stubborn area in your body. But it’s really gotten to me. I was sparring last week and it really got to me.

“I don’t think it was any specific move or punch, but it became unbearable. I just don’t want to get in there with a guy like Tony and half-ass it. You’re asking for either a bad performance or a loss, and I don’t want either of those. It’s unfortunate. I worked really hard, but I’m injured.”

“In camp, my back was tight,” he said. “I would do some rounds and then I couldn’t move. I was going to tough it out, but I just couldn’t perform. My back was tightening up when I was just walking around.”

“If we can’t reschedule the fight, I believe Tony should just become the mandatory because he has performed within the guidelines of the tournament,” Goossen said. “Or we can try to reschedule the fight for later in the year.”

CARTERET, NJ (October 6, 2011)—Despite suffering his first professional setback in controversial fashion, Heavyweight prospect John Lennox will get right back on the horse when he returns to the ring on Friday night, October 28th at Ballys in Atlantic City when he takes on Donnie Crawford in a four round bout as part of the SHO BOX undercard that will be headlined by the IBF Heavyweight elimination bout featuring “Fast” Eddie Chambers and Tony Thompson.

Lennox is coming off his first professional setback which was a controversial first round stoppage over former world amateur champion Joey Dawejko on September 14th in Newark, New Jersey.

The bout was stopped prematurely after Lennox took a couple of hard shots from Dawejko and despite Lennox not being hurt, referee Lindsay Page stopped the bout much to the chagrin of Lennox and his team.

Lennox manager Rich Masini filed an appeal with the New Jersey Athletic Commission to get the bout ruled a “No Contest”

“John is training harder and we are looking to get right back on the track on October 28th”, said Masini.

“John, who started his career at Cruiserweight and has never weighed more than 219 lbs, is doing a lot of work with free weights and we want to come in heavier”

Lennox has added the services of Ray McCline to his team which headed by lead trainer Charles Thomas.

McCline is based near Atlantic City and Lennox will spend 2 ½ weeks before the fight with the focal point being for Lennox to get off to quick starts.

“We would not be supporting John in the matter that we have if we didn’t believe that he could make an impact in the Heavyweight division”, continued Masini

“At some point we will rematch Dawejko as that fight is defiantly unfinished business for us. We have the October 28 fight then we would like to fight in November and December and be in good position to make that next move”

LOS ANGELES (Sept., 27) – Eddie Chambers, the IBF #1 Heavyweight World Contender and Tony Thompson, the IBF #2 Heavyweight World Contender, will fight in an IBF Heavyweight Title Elimination bout on Friday, October 28 at Bally’s Atlantic City with the winner placing himself in a mandatory bout against the reigning IBF, WBO and WBA Heavyweight World Champion Wladimir Klitschko. Wladimir’s brother, Vitali, holds the WBC portion of the World Heavyweight Championship.

The SHOWTIME “ShoBox” event will also feature 2008 US Olympian Javier Molina (9-0, 4 KOs) against his toughest challenge to date, Artemio Reyes (13-1, 11 KOs) in an 8-round Super Welterweight bout. The undefeated Molina is coming off of a unanimous decision victory over John Revish.

In the other televised bout, Goossen Tutor’s newly signed undefeated Middleweight Brandon “Flawless” Gonzales will fight in an 8-round bout. The highly touted Golden Gloves Champion from Sacramento has finished ten of his fourteen opponents by way of knockout. “This is an exciting time in my professional career. I’ve worked real hard since turning pro and now signing with manager James Prince and Antonio Leonard and Goossen Tutor Promotions, I feel confident moving forward with them handling my business,” Gonzales said.

“With Virgil Hunter training me now, and the management experience of James and the promotional skills that Dan (Goossen) brings to his fighters, I feel ready to move much quicker to my goal in becoming a world champion and a future name in the sport.”

All three bouts will be broadcast on Showtime’s “ShoBox” series.

Tickets for the October 28, 2011 Chambers-Thompson event are on sale now, and are priced at $75 and $50, and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail outlets, Ticketmaster Call Center 800-745-3000 or Bally’s Atlantic City (day of the event).

The first fight will begin at 9 p.m. ET.

Promoter Dan Goossen talks about the October 29 showdown between Andre Ward and Carl Froch plus updates Eddie Chambers, Tony Thompson and Chris Arreola

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former world title challenges Eddie Chambers and Tony Thompson will square off on October 28th in Atlantic City for the right to fight a rematch with the man who knocked them both out, Wladimir Klitschko.

The fight between good friends will take the night before the Super 6 Final between Andre Ward and Carl Froch at will take place at Ballys in Atlantic City which is just a few steps away from Boardwalk Hall where there Ward – Froch clash will take place.

It’s tough, but there is an opportunity for both of us to realize a dream,” Thompson said of fighting his friend. “I’m happy for both us to get this opportunity, but I have to go in there and take care of business. I consider us more than friends — I consider myself like a mentor to him. But I told my own brother I’d kick his ass if had to to get back to a Klitschko fight, and my brother knew I was dead serious.”

“But sometimes in this business you got to fight your friends,” Chambers said. “I’m just looking forward to the fight and getting it done. We’re two of the top heavyweights in the division and we’ve helped each other get there. I’ve helped him and he’s helped me get ready for fights several different times. He’s the kind of person that if I had kids, I’d have my kids play with his kids, but we know this is business. Boxing is not a team sport, but if it was a team sport, we would be on the same team.”

“Both fighters have had that taste of a championship challenge and both of them withstood many rounds with Wladimir. To me the question about their fight is who has learned more from their loss,” Said promoter Dan Goossen, who represents both fighters. “Both of them have come back from their loss. Eddie beat Rossy and looked good and Tony has been kept fairly busy and has been winning against pretty good opponents and getting knockouts. I hate to have our guys fighting each other and only one advancing, but that is what you do as a promoter — you give both of the guys an opportunity. I think it will be an interesting fight.”

“I definitely gotta go in there and stop this guy. I’m going in there to knock your head off your shoulders and separate you from your senses long enough for the referee to raise my hand,” said Thompson, who is close to Klitschko’s size at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds.

“We’re both fighting for our professional lives,” said Chambers, who is 6-1 and 210 pounds. “This could be his last go-round, his last hurrah. He’s still performing well, but at the age of 40, you can get old overnight in this game. Yes, we have respect for each other, but that is even more reason to go out there and give 100 percent. We got two people on a collision course who have everything to lose, and there’s a lot to gain as well with a win. With a win it catapults us to a title shot again. That’s what we are both shooting for.”

Top Ranked Heavyweight Contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers talks to Kevin Johnson and 15rounds.com/gfl.tv Marc Abrams about his upcoming bout with Tony Thompson

As the old saying goes it’s not the size of the dog in the fight it’s the size of the fight in the dog” and this certainly applies to “Fast” Eddie Chambers. He lives in a world of Heavyweight giants, pretty much every opponent in his career has had height, reach and weight advantages over him. As you can see by his 36-2(18) record among the pro’s he’s more than held his own. The 29 year old debuted back in 2000 and learned on the job until he started 2007 when he made a move from the Heavyweight pack beating Derric Rossy KO7, Dominick Guinn PTS10 & then outpointing Calvin Brock in an IBF title eliminator. That win set him up to fight Alexander Povetkin, a former Olympic gold medalist. It was to be Chambers first defeat but he had learned a lot from fighting on the road for the first time as a pro. After four more wins the later being against Samuel Peter who he outpointed. He again traveled to Germany, this time he took on 6’7 behemoth Alexander Dimitrenko who outweighed him by in excess of 40 pounds. Not to be denied he boxed the fight of his life stunner the previously unbeaten Ukrainian again on points. The win set him up for a title challenge when he met Wladimir Klitschko in Germany in early 2010. Like many men previous he found it difficult to get past the big man and was stopped late in the twelfth. It hasn’t affected his desire, after 11 months off when he let the battle scars mentally & physically heal he rebounded to outpoint old adversary Rossy over the distance back in February. No he intends to watch several other fights play out over the next few months before looking for another big fight.

Hello, Eddie, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Back in February you returned from a near year long absence and beat Derric Rossy. Can you tell us about the fight and how happy you were to be back in action?

Eddie Chambers – Umm well I wasn’t happy with my performance. I feel like to a degree I gave my best but I still expected more from me even in the weakened state I was. It was a good comeback fight; there was a lot on the line. I just really wanted to dazzle the crowd and also get a stoppage, that’s what I expected. Beat the guy like I beat him the last time (Chambers scored a seventh round TKO over Derric Rossy in 2007) Of course he’s gotten better, but no matter how much better he is than before I think, I’m on another level and I think I’d have proved it further if I’d stopped him. But all the respect to Rossy who took the shots and continued to fight the way he did through out the fight.

Anson Wainwright – Though it’s early days when are you looking at fighting next & who are you targeting?

Eddie Chambers – Well honestly with me I’m just targeting the top guy. My goal obviously is to be world champion and I’ve been close at one time or another. I think that’s where I should be looking but everything that will get me toward that, any kind of fight with name fighters. I know there’s some fights already made up and I just want to let them happen so I won’t make any decision right away with Haye fighting Wladimir, Adamek fighting Kevin McBride. So there’s really not a lot for me to go at right now as far as top contenders for the titles. So we’ll just sit back and wait just a bit. Then jump in with whoever’s ready. Of course you know and everybody knows I’ll fight anybody and I’m looking for that soon. So hopefully I get that opportunity to fight for the title again. I’d like to fight Haye but of course he’s fighting Wladimir and not looking to fight a tough fight with me who’s not really to well known to away fans. He wouldn’t have much to make from me & Wladimir as well, but it’s not to be because what’s the point he’s beaten me already all he has is to lose. So why not just go about there business and fight each other and leave me in the rear view. I’d love to get those guys in the ring & hopefully that comes very very soon.

Anson Wainwright – Of course in 2010 you challenged Wladimir Klitschko for his IBF & WBO Heavyweight titles; you were stopped late in the twelfth. What can you tell us about that fight from your point of view? Was it a good learning curve despite the defeat? How good do you think he is?

Eddie Chambers – You’ve got to say great. I believe I’m just as good as anybody period, skill wise and ability wise but they go into the fight with a plan coupled with Emmanuel Steward but there’s no unbeatable force right now. I believe If I had had the right plan and been in the right state of mind to execute that plan I think just as he was successful, I could of been successful, it just happens that way. But he has a heck of a championship pedigree, he’s been there years now, he’s been world number one for a long time. He has to go down in the era as one of the greats of Boxing especially Heavyweight Boxing. So the plan they had worked to perfection as it does most other times. When I say perfection there was a lot of difficulty he had with me in some areas as far as landing some shots, there was frustration there but that’s because of my ability and toughness. I didn’t bring enough focus to deal with the preparation he had. I was in great shape I was prepared physically but mentally I wasn’t prepared for what It meant, when you see 55,000+ in the stadium I realized this is something big and then when you get in the ring you realize there’s a whole lot more on the line and you have to get your feet wet a little bit. I didn’t have a huge amateur background, I did have experience but I was never really able to see that before except in the fight before which was Dimitrenko which was on a much smaller scale, though it was important to my career. I’ve seen it and fought the great Klitschko now I have to prove I’m great. I may never get another shot at him (Wladimir) but at least there will be some guys that I can prove that on in the future.

Anson Wainwright – You didn’t fight in 11 months after the Klitschko fight. What did you do with your time off?

Eddie Chambers – Well I took about 11 month’s total. I took it off because it was necessary. I even talked to Emmanuel Steward and he gave advice to me. You see a lot of guys and they get stopped or lose a big fight and it takes a lot out of them physically and mentally and guys comeback straight away and you can’t do that. You take that physical trauma and that’s enough as it is then you take the mental beating you give yourself for losing. You lose that opportunity and it hurts, it takes some getting used to it. I’m not going to lie I sat around most days and didn’t enjoy anything for awhile. I didn’t go outside, I didn’t see people because of how I felt, it hurt. There was so much riding on it in my mind. It takes some serious heart, it’s a rough period and you have to find something which you enjoy and that’s what I did in the time off and tried to enjoy myself best I can. Once I got back I didn’t forget the Klitschko thing because that’s something you need to remember in your mind but now I’m turning the page in my career and trying to start another run.

Anson Wainwright – Who are members of team Eddie Chambers; Who’s your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Eddie Chambers – My manager and trainer is one person right now Robert Murray Snr and my promoter is Dan Goossen. I train at James Shuler’s Memorial gym in West Philadelphia.

Anson Wainwright – You weigh around 210 which isn’t much over the Cruiserweight limit. How tempting is it to drop down a few pounds and try to win a world title there? Especially with a possible Super 6 tournament and even a fight with fellow Philly fighter Steve Cunningham?

Eddie Chambers – Oh I would hope I never have to fight Steve. He’s a friend of mine but we both understand the sport. It was tempting (To drop down to Cruiserweight) at one time; it was more tempting when I was challenging to be Heavyweight champion of the world. I could say hey while I’m waiting I could prove how good an athlete I am by going down and fight for the Cruiserweight championship as well. That’s a little greedy but that’s a challenge, that’s the kind of thing I was trying to put out there. I thought of it at one time but I just believe going down would be like a step back, most people would expect me to do so well and dominate what if god forbid I had a tough fight or lost a fight in the Cruiserweight division their going to look at me an say he wasn’t much anyway. My stock would drop, even If it was a tough fight where they expect you to blow these guys out because your bigger faster and stronger and they say he’s not as good as we thought he was.

Anson Wainwright – You’re from Pittsburgh can you tell us about how life was growing up and how it took you into Boxing?

Eddie Chambers – Well my upbringing was tough, very tough at times. It as tough on me dealing with some kids, I was a real good kid and it made it more tough. I think what got me into it was my father, he used to fight too and he could see what was going on. He heard something’s about some of the kids and I really didn’t have the most confidence. He got a bit tired of hearing about me dealing with some guys giving me problems so he said “I’m going to create a monster” make me a tough guy or at least at that time give me some confidence. I was a little chubby kid and and some kids picked on me not physically more verbally. So he took me to the gym so I could defend myself, I didn’t honestly want to do it, It took me awhile to get me in the gym and stay in the gym. I was trying to avoid the fights at all costs. He took me in and the first day I sparred, handled the kid. I did well and I was sort of surprised but it didn’t do to much to me because I had a couple of tough sparring sessions after that and I was thinking this wasn’t something I really wanted to do, get hit in the face and head and didn’t plan it as a career for myself. So I just went out the next tournament, the Golden Gloves. I fought the first fight and I beat the kid half to death basically and I was thinking this was a fluke so in the next round I stopped the guy in the first round. So I was like wow I’ll keep going till I lose. It took me ten fights before I lost in the amateurs and I had 8 straight stoppages and that loss was just before a National tournament. I thought this is something to do and I seem pretty good at it and as I progressed I continued to get better and better and better. I went to the Olympic trials; I tried that didn’t make it. I think I was more suited to the professional game. I only had 4 years amateur, a lot of kids have there first fight at like 8 years old. I turned professional at 18 and did more of my real learning when I turned professional, once I go to that point I pretty much had everything under control and I real started to develop at that time and I learned at a good pace. That’s pretty much how it happened.

Anson Wainwright – One of the biggest fights in Boxing appears likely to take place this summer with Wladimir Klitschko unifying with David Haye. What do you think of that fight how do you see it going?

Eddie Chambers – Honestly I think David Haye has a good shot if he can land a good shot. But I think by 4, 5, 6 Wladimir will hit his groove, use his jab, line that right hand up. It will be difficult for Haye to land, Haye could land over the top and with his speed you never know. I think Wladimir’s height and reach it’ll be hard for David Haye. Towards the middle rounds Wladimir will land a couple of right hands and it’ll be over.

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing can you tell us a little about yourself, what are your Interests & Hobbies?

Eddie Chambers – Most of them are still sports besides video games and when I’m playing them there sports games. I love to play Basketball and I also love to bowl. I’ve been working at my bowling game and been doing pretty well with it. Just spend time with friends; I’ve just done a road trip with family and friends to visit others. These are things I like to do.

Anson Wainwright – Have you ever bowled a perfect game?

Eddie Chambers – No, I’ve bowled a clean game but never a perfect game. Honestly my highest score and some people would laugh is about 215. I’m learning still. It’s fun and a good sport. Hopefully one day I’m good enough to play in the US open, I’ll keep working on it.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Heavyweight division?

Eddie Chambers – Honestly it’s not an I’m going to knock everyone out type of message, I just encourage the guys out there to give me a shot, or lets make great fights for the fans to enjoy. I think that would be the best thing to Boxing especially the Heavyweight division. If we can get that done we could really turn some heads. People mention MMA more than Boxing and it’s tough when you perform in it and not get a real fan base. I just really hope we can make the best fights out there.

Best Wishes & thanks for your time Eddie.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

“Fast” Eddie Chambers post fight interview after his second win over Derric Rossy

Sunday Sizzler SPECIAL NYD & BILLY FROM PHILLY EDITION! Fast Eddie Chambers post fight interview! 15rounds.com’s Johnny Schulz presents: Talking BOXING with JSizzle and New York Dan NYD – A weekly Sunday boxing show covering Boxing from all angles. Alongside and boxing aficionado Danny “NYD” Stasiukiewicz.

March 19, 2010 (Düsseldorf, Germany) – – IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko weighed in at 244 pounds (111 kg) for Saturday’s title defense against mandatory challenger Eddie Chambers on Saturday night at the 51,000-seat Espirit Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany. Chambers scaled in at 209 pounds (95kg).

Dusseldorf, Germany (March 18, 2010) – American heavyweight “Fast Eddie” Chambers – rated #1 in the WBO – took time after his training in Dusseldorf, Germany for an interview two days before his scheduled World Championship bout against WBO/IBF Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Said Chambers, “It’s coming down to the wire and I am steadfast on my mission to beat Wladimir Klitschko and bring those titles back home to the United States. It’s go time and I’m as ready as I will ever be.”

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra