Wladimir Klitschko / Photo © Marty Rosengarten / Ringsidephotos.com

View full size photo »

Michael Nelson previews today's heavyweight clash between Wladimir Klitschko and Eddie Chambers.

There's a large contingent that maintains there's going to be more than one replay of last weekend's lukewarm bout between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey. Before Saturday night's HBO rebroadcast of the disappointing mega-event, similar circumstances will surround today's heavyweight match-up in Germany when "Fast" Eddie Chambers clashes with the heavily-favored Wladimir Klitschko (which, incidentally, will not be shown on HBO).

Chambers, they expect, will be the defensive specialist with a punch output too meek to be competitive. Wladimir Klitschko will be the dominant practitioner, handcuffing his opponent with his superior physical talents.

Two things may prove the comparison faulty.

One, Rob Murray Sr. is an accomplished trainer far more experienced than Clottey's trainer Lenny De Jesus, a substitute for Godwin Kotey. Eight months ago, Murray's knowledge combined with Chamber's skill culminated in a well-executed gameplan to strafe Alexander Dimitrenko along the ropes with creative combinations. Other added wrinkles in the 27 year old's game included punching Dimitrenko's left arm whenever he used it as a measuring tool, consistently hooking off the jab, and serving a steady diet of right hands to the body.

Two, Eddie's competitive spirit appears to have made the leap. His lethargic performance against a grossly overweight Sam Peter last year raised questions as to whether he'll ever be able to separate himself from the lower top 10 of the division. But coming in 15 pounds lighter for Dimitrenko, dominating in a foreign land, and weighing in for tomorrow's showdown at nearly the same weight shows that his work ethic is starting to catch up with his talent. Moreover, he has displayed a determined, confident attitude during the last few weeks, a sharp contrast to the 'happy to be here' glow Clottey had.

It adds up to perhaps Wladimir's biggest challenge in five years. But he still has the same height and reach advantages that have left so many other confident opponents unnerved, the same jab that has demoralized the determined, and the same right hand that has knocked the competitive spirit out of proud men. Emmanuel Steward is no slouch when it comes to game planning for short speedsters either; when Chambers gets close, Klitschko will be ready to drape himself over him to nullify inside work.

It's a devastating, yet one-dimensional attack - one that doesn't include many body shots, combinations, or uppercuts. It'll be interesting to see if Chambers can use his defensive acumen to take advantage of Klitschko's unimaginative offense enough to avoid sustained punishment and bag rounds. Particularly in the first third of the fight, when Klitschko tends to holster his right hand and rely almost exclusively on his left.

Chambers has shown to have a reliable set of whiskers when he does get hit flush. Wladimir will be hard-pressed to take him out with a single blow, something that'll bode well for Eddie if he builds an early lead. But given that Wladimir is likely to get the benefit of the doubt in close rounds, the Philadelphia native needs to apply consistent and even pressure throughout.

The task is formidable as Chambers looks to crack the Klitschko brothers' iron grip on the division. Whether he succeeds or not, a spirited effort will bring excitement back to the American heavyweight scene - as well as help wash away the bitter taste of last weekend.

e-mail Michael Nelson

Have your say... Klitschko vs Chambers Poll, Predictions & Discussion