Boxing in Las Vegas: Flores says no to Godfrey fight.htm

Flores rejects CES offer to fight Godfrey on ESPN show

Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) president Jimmy Burchfield has expressed his disappointed that USBA cruiserweight champion BJ Flores (21-0-1, 12 KOs) has rejected an offer to fight NABF cruiserweight title-holder Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-1, 9 KOs) in an ESPN2 main event next month.

Flores is rated No. 2 by the IBF, as well as No. 7 and No. 8, respectively, by the WBO and WBA. Godfrey, ranked No. 5 by the WBC, was dropped from the WBA and IBF rankings when he fought Rudy Kraj (LDEC12) this past February in an WBC title eliminator.

The cruiserweight division has been left wide open with David Haye’s recent move up to the heavyweight ranks. Flores and Godfrey are two of the top American cruiserweights in a division now primarily ruled by Europeans, excluding IBF title-holder Steve Cunningham.

“Flores and his people refused the challenge to fight Godfrey on ESPN2,” Burchfield said. “They’ve been shooting their mouths off in the media about wanting to fight a top cruiserweight, but they claim that there isn’t enough money in a fight against Godfrey, that it belongs on HBO or Showtime. Well, HBO and Showtime aren’t interested in that fight. Flores hasn’t had a fight since he beat Darnell Wilson (WDEC12) last December on ESPN2. I think they’re being shortsighted. The winner of a fight between BJ and Matt would be the top American challenger at 200-pounds and then HBO and Showtime would have to be interested. Both BJ and Matt need a big win to get to that level.

“Look, BJ, I can have a contract to you within 24 hours. You’ve talked a lot, now it’s time to put your name on the dotted line. It was time to put up or shut up and I guess BJ shut up. Reconsider and take the fight. This is the second time I’ve offered you a fight against Godfrey.

The last time you were promoted by Silverhawk and I don’t know if you ever knew about it. You do now. We believe Matt Godfrey is the top American cruiserweight contender. Here’s you’re opportunity to prove you’re the real No. 1.”

Return to main page