by David P. Greisman

Former heavyweight title challenger Eddie Chambers is hoping to get back in the mix among boxing’s big men. There are many who, like Chambers, are signed with powerful adviser Al Haymon. One of those names that Chambers would enjoy being in the ring with is Chris Arreola.

“I heard from a guy that I know there’s a possibility of Arreola, which was kind of shocking to hear. If I can get something like that I’d be so happy,” Chambers told reporters in January.

Arreola did not have a good 2015; he was fortunate to leave with a win over Curtis Harper last March, was held to a draw against Fred Kassi in July, and had another debatable split decision win over Travis Kauffman in December.

“I like Travis Kauffman. That’s my guy. He has a certain level of skill and all of that. He has enough ability to give people problems. But the way I look at Arreola is Arreola’s supposed to be the man,” Chambers said. “People love him. He can fight. He can take a punch. But he didn’t show that against Travis, and in recent fights he hasn’t really shown that. That’s not why I’m so excited to fight him. I would’ve fought him in the very prime of his career.”

Chambers recalled another time when he and Arreola were under the same banner: when they were with late promoter Dan Goossen while both heavyweights were up-and-coming. But a fight between the two of them never happened, and Chambers feels like he had a tougher road during that time than Arreola did.

“It seemed like I was his lead blocker and he was Bo Jackson or somebody behind me,” Chambers said. “I’m fighting every killer known to man — you talk about Calvin Brock, Dominick Guinn, all of these dudes, [Alexander] Povetkin, then I fight Samuel Peter, then Alexander Dimitrenko. And this guy’s fighting eight round fights up until he get a world title shot [Note: Arreola had many fights scheduled for 10 and 12 rounds prior to his first title shot]. No disrespect, but I fought a couple 12-rounders before I even signed with a big promoter.”

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