Championship boxing returns to Hartford for the first time in nearly a decade Saturday night (Sept. 23) when a cruiserweight unification bout between WBC USNBC champion Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey (12-0, 7 KOs) and WBC Continental Americas title-holder Danny "Boy" Batchelder headlines the "Night of the Rising Stars" Pro-AM boxing show in the beautiful Grand Ballroom inside the spacious Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

Godfrey (12-0, 7 KOs), rated No. 10 (top American cruiserweight) by the WBC and No 14 by the WBC, also holds the NABA title, but that will not be on the line in Saturday's 12-round main event versus Batchelder (24-2-1, 11 KOs), who is ranked No. 12 by the WBC.
In the 10-round co-feature, unbeaten prospect Matt "Sharp Shooter" Remillard, (10-0, 7 KOs) moves up in weight to fight undefeated Jose Hernandez for the vacant WBC Youth super featherweight championship.

"Night of the Rising Stars," promoted by Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., is dedicated to the memory of the late Hartford-based trainer Johnny Duke. Hartford's living legend Willie "Will o' the Wisp" Pep (230-11-1, 65 KOs), three-time world featherweight champion, will be honored. WBA super welterweight champion "El Gallo" Jose Antonio Rivera and retired boxer and present trainer "Iceman" John Scully will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony, joining charter members Vinny "The Pazmanian Devil" Paz, Marlon "Magic Man" Starling, of Hartford, and "Irish" Micky Ward.

OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN & FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FRIDAY AFTERNOON
The official weigh-in and final press conference for "Night of the Rising Stars" will be held Friday, Sept. 22 at 4 PM in the Connecticut Convention Center. IT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

In an eight-round Special Heavyweight Attraction, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason "Big Six" Estrada (6-0, 1 KO) faces Cliff "Tyson Twin" Couser (26-10-2, 14 KOs), NAMA North American title-holder.

Former USBA & NABF lightweight title-holder Israel "Pito" Cardona (35-6, 27 KOs) takes on intra-state rival Shaka Moore (9-10-3, 1 KO) in a six-round Special Welterweight Attraction.
Former U.S. Nationals amateur heavyweight gold medallist Tony Grano (4-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on Mike Miller (2-3, 2 KOs) in a four round bout. Also fighting on the undercard is USBO super bantamweight champion Mike "Machine Gun" Oliver (15-0, 7 KOs) versus Oscar De La Cruz (4-3, 2 KOs) in a six-round, non-title fight; first-round knockout artist (four 1st round KOs in 4 fights) Enrique "El Palo" Palau (4-0, 4 KOs) squares off against veteran middleweight James North (8-13-2, 2 KOs) in a four-round match. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Some top amateur matches are also scheduled including a tremendous contest between New Haven's 13-year-old "Mighty Midget" Tramain Williams and 13-year-old Dusty Harrison, representing Washington D.C. Williams (40-6) is a five-time National champion, two-time rated No. 1 in the Silver Gloves, and Outstanding Boxer at the Silver Gloves. The 75-pounder has won 22 of his last 23 matches spanning 2 1/2 years. Harrison has had an amazing 135 matches.

Tickets for "Night of the Rising Stars," promoted by Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. are now on sale at the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000) or by going on line at www.cesboxing.com. Ticket prices are $35.00, $50.00, $75.00, $100.00 and $150 Platinum VIP (not including Connecticut taxes).

Two VIP corporate tables (8 seats per table) remain available, which includes a full-page ad in the program, banner (supplied by sponsors) at the event and two live ring announcements. Call 401.724.2253 for a special discounted price.

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