Provided there are no ill effects from weight draining (unlikely) then I've got Chambers winning a comfortable UD. I don't think Lebedev possesses the skill or intelligence to break through Chambers's high guard, nor do I think he can avoid the fast Eddie counter right. Think the fight'll look a little something like the Povetkin fight, with more activity.
My guess is they're gonna go hard to the body, hope to take the wind out of his sails later on. Head hunting Chambers from the off is a recipe for disaster IMO.
His defense isn't limited to the top floor, though. When has anyone ever consistently torn up Eddie's thorax? I mean, Adamek landed some body shots - but they were a negligible fraction of what he threw. His 75" wingspan is only a couple of inches over the Cruiser average, but when he folds up his guard it covers a fair amount of area, nearly from hairline to belt. He's also great at seeing punches coming and reacting accordingly, and it isn't like Lebedev (who is no speedster, but has acute power & timing) throws with such quickness downstairs that Eddie won't spot them or have time to lower his elbows or shimmy.
Those are just some fighters I blurted out who are just solid contenders. Lebedev is a shark compared to Drodz being a barracuda. I think its a significant gap. Not trying to be critical, but just saying that Chambers shouldn't be jumping the gun that quick. And Denis never calls out fighters, its Hruniov that does all the calling out. I know your a huge Chambers fan, and thats cool...I like him too, but Lebedev is a tough dude with power and chin to KO anyone in this division. Dangerous first fight, tis all i'm sayin :bbb
Yep. That doesn't run contrary to what I said. :yep He threw 'em all night. He landed a small fraction of them...again, all night. Missing most in EPIC fashion. (surpassed only by how foolishly he was made to look missing headshots...and the same against Cunningham)
Promise everyone this.. he can try whatever.. ill be fully prepared for it.. My Trainer James Ali Bashir have me punching in alot of combinations.. wasnt able to show it last fight because of torn bicep.. but I show i can switch from orthodox to south paw easily.. which is rare for someone in heavyweights or cruisers... if i had my left.. Adamek wouldnt of thrown alot of punches like he did even tho they mostly hit the Air.. Hopefully when it comes fight time.. I will put on a great show for everyone & dissapoint the haters!!
Haha, there are many people on russian forums who are "Team Chambers". A lot of fans started to hate Denis after his fight with RJJ, but of course this nasty KO wasnt his fault, he was just doing his job...
It's really strange how much heat he takes for beating Toney & Jones. You'd think he would have enough residual positive sentiment pent up from the Huck decision to balance it out. :conf Besides, where is the ire directed towards Damon Reed and Bobby Gunn? Pawel Glazewski and Max Alexander? They fought the same badly denigrated version of the venerable tandem of legends. Granted, unlike Lebedev none were able to TCOB against them (although Gunn and Glazewski came damn close...and many feel Glazewski was screwed, although he left it up to the judges where the White Swan didn't...) but they're every bit as guilty of trying to sneak an ATG onto their resume by cherry-picking their dried up husks aeons past the sell-by date. Furthermore, if it's Hruniov calling the shots Lebedev can't be personally blamed for whomever gets put in front of him. His job once the pins are set up is to knock them down (or out) - and he does.
Eddie, as a philly guy just curious as to whether or not you're familiar with George James, the old timer who trains out of Lonnie Young in germantown now?
To me, this comes down to footwork and hand speed. I think Chambers can keep Lebedev at the end of his punches, stick, move, and avoid the big shot. He wins a solid 117-111 type decision using textbook boxing.
Are you doing any extra leg or neck strengthening exercises beyond the norm in anticipation of Lebedev's devastatingly powerful uppercuts, or is the plan to not get touched by one?