PROVIDENCE (June 2, 2011) – World cruiserweight title challenger Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (20-2, 10 KOs) finds himself at the crossroads of his professional career, preparing for his June 10 10-round main event throw-down against undefeated, ultra-hyped Nigerian knockout artist Lateef “Power” Kayode for the vacant NABA title, live on ShoBox from Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California.
After being stopped for the first time in his career last August, when he unsuccessfully challenged World Boxing Organization champion Marco “Kapt’n” Huck in Germany, Godfrey was somewhat lost and confused as a promotional free agent. Matt put full trust in his manager, Brett Hallenbeck, who negotiated the fight against Kayode, switched Matt’s head trainer, and guided the Providence fighter into signing a contract with Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.
Kayode (16-0, 14 KOs), trained by living legend Freddie Roach, is rated in the top eight in the four major governing bodies: WBA #3, WBO #4, WBC #5 and IBF #8. “Fighting a top 10 fighter is a great opportunity for me to get back where I belong with the top cruiserweights in the world,” Godfrey said. “I needed to take this fight and then win it impressively on one of the biggest networks. A big win puts me in the top 10 and right back in the picture. (More)
Cruiserweight contender Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey a promotional free agent
PROVIDENCE (January 15, 2011) – World title challenger and former U.S. amateur standout, Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (202, 10 KOs), is a promotional free agent prepared to get right back into the cruiserweight picture with the right promoter in his corner.
Godfrey was stopped for the first time in his pro career last August when he unsuccessfully challenged World Boxing Organization champion Marco “Kapt’n” Huck in Germany
The 29-year-old Godfrey, fighting out of Providence, is a full-blooded Native American (Wampanoug) who was rated No. 10 by The Ring magazine before his fight with Huck. Matt had held a number of regional titles including, NABF, NABA, USNBC, WBA Continental Americas and Sovereign Nations Boxing Council. His most notable victories as a pro have been against Felix Cora, Jr., Danny Batchelder, Shaun George, Shawn Hawk, Ernest Mateen and Jermell Barnes.
Years ago, Matt started boxing at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI) with Peter Manfredo, Jr., another world title challenger and finalist in the original reality television series, The Contender, as well as 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada.
Godfrey possesses incredibly quick hands and feet, especially for a 200-pounder, in addition to a complete set of sound boxing skills developed during his outstanding amateur career, in which he had a 194-23 amateur record, capturing six national championships, four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics.
Matt was a Bronze medal winner at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver Medalist in all four of that year’s national major tournaments – National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge -- six-time New England Golden Gloves champion and second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team.
Godfrey is managed by Bret Hallenbeck and trained by “Iceman” John Scully. Promoters interested in signing Godfrey may contact Hallenbeck (bhconnrestoration@snet.net).
Weights from Erfurt, Germany
Matt Godfrey: 198.8 LBS.
Marco Huck: 198.4 LBS.
WBO Cruiserweight Championship
Huck-Godfrey Presser
Marco Huck’s WBO Cruiserweight Title Fight against Matt Godfrey will be special for more reasons than just one. The hard-hitting 25-year-old (29-1, 22 KOs) will make the fourth defense of his title on Saturday night in Erfurt, Germany, which will mark the 100th broadcast of a Sauerland show on German public TV giants ARD. He also needs a victory to book his place in the Cruiserweight Super Six, which Wilfried and Kalle Sauerland are hoping to finalize in the next weeks.
“There is a lot at stake this time out,” Huck said. “I want to put on a special performance for the millions who are watching on German TV and all over the world.” Huck claimed he is not thinking about the potential Super Six series – yet. “It has crossed my mind because such an idea would be a great thing for the exciting cruiserweight division but right now all my focus is on Matt Godfrey,” he added. “I will knock him out.”
Godfrey (20-1, 10 KOs) is confident he can spoil the big party on Saturday night. “I am here to win this fight,” he said at today´s press conference. “I want to thank Team Sauerland for giving me the chance to come over and take the title. They have picked the wrong opponent. I am no Brian Minto or Adam Richards – Huck has never been in the ring with someone like me and I will be doing things he has never seen before. I will bring home the title.”
Added his promoter Jimmy Burchfield: “Matt is coming off the best camp of his career. We had to send home five sparring partners, including two heavyweights, because he knocked them all out. We are ready and we will take the title on Saturday night.”
Wilfried Sauerland joked he did not know that there were any American heavyweights left. “Marco is in top shape and I am sure he will crown our 100th ARD broadcast with a big victory,” the Hall of Fame Promoter said. “Godfrey is a tough guy and he moves very well, but Marco will eventually track him down. He needs a victory so that we can finalize the Super Six tournament in the cruiserweight division which hopefully will begin at the end of this year. But first things first – Marco should not look past Godfrey who is a strong opponent.”
Huck-Godfrey Workouts in Germany (Picture Credit: Team Sauerland) WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco “Captain” Huck (29-1, 22 KOs) and challenger Matt Godfrey (20-1, 10 KOs) today participated in an open media work-out in front of more than 500 fans in Erfurt, Germany.
Captain Huck is determined to defend his title for a fourth time on Saturday night. “My fans love my aggressiveness and explosiveness and I will make sure Matt Godfreywill get a good taste of it,” Huck said. “I am just too explosive for him. The belt stays in Germany. I want to put on another spectacular performance and defeat Godfrey in style.”
Even though Godfrey has left Ulli Wegner guessing in what stance he will fight, the German star coach said it does not matter. “I have prepared Marco for both a southpaw as well as an orthodox stance,” he stated. “Even if Godfrey intends to switch, it will not be a problem. Marco has worked hard in practice. If he listens to his corner, he will defend his title with another great victory.”
Meanwhile, Godfrey believes it will be him who leaves the ring victorious. “I might not have the hardest punch, but I am smarter than Huck,” he said during today´s session. “He’s a big strong guy and a very good puncher. He’s a little limited in some of the things he can do, but he’s very consistent in a lot of the things he does do. He’s a champion for a reason. He didn’t get 29 wins and 22 knockouts by accident. We have a big task on our hands, but we had a great camp to prepare for it. It will be a great fight. ”
GODFREY READY FOR HUCK!!!
WBO Junior Heavyweight challenger Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey held a media workout today at Big Six Academy in Providence, Rhode Island.
(Photo by: Emily Harney/Team Godfrey)
Talking Boxing with Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey(More)
-Godfrey masters Hawk!
(July 12, 2009) Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (19-1, 10 KOs) of Providence, RI successfully defended his NABF cruiserweight title with an one-sided, ten round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Shawn “Sioux Warrior” Hawk (18-1, 16 KOs) of Sioux Falls, SD this past Friday at The Arena in Philadelphia, PA. (More)
Godfrey at Crossroads against Kayode
Cruiserweight contender Matt “Too Smooth” 
