CES Boxing Building Foundation For 2009 Title Runs

ByBoxing Press

Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) has promoted eight shows this year in three different states, including four broadcast nationally on ESPN, in order to build a foundation for world and regional title runs by its fighters in 2009.

“I’ve been a boxing promoter for a long time and we know how to build champions here,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said. “I’ve promoted some great fighters over the years – 5-time world champion Vinny Paz, Ray Oliveira, Scott Pemberton, Gary Balletto and others – but I’ve never had a stronger Team CES, top to bottom, as right now.

“We have a stable of world and regional title contenders, cagey veterans hoping to make another title run, and a group of very talented prospects. CES has worked hard in 2008 to set the stage for making a lot of noise next year in boxing.”

Leading the charge is NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey, rated No. 4 by the WBC and knocking on the door of a world title shot. Godfrey has had three notable victories by knockout on ESPN against Shaun George, Felix Cora, Jr. and Emmanuel Nwodo in Matt’s most recent fight. Godfrey’s only loss was earlier this year in Germany to unbeaten Rudolf Kraj by 12-round decision in a WBC title eliminator.

Super middleweight Peter “The Pride of Providence” Manfredo, Jr., 31-5 (16), star of The Contender I, had one world title shot, albeit an abbreviated one against WBO champion Joe Calzaghe that was prematurely stopped by the referee in the third round. WBC rated No. 15 Manfredo, who is co-promoted by CES and Tournament of Contenders, was developed by CES before leaving for The Contender.

CES and the Tournament of Contenders are tentatively co-promoting a show November 13 in Providence, headlined by Manfredo versus Sakio Bika, winner of The Contender III, for the IBO title.

While Godfrey and Manfredo are the two CES fighters closest to world titles shots, several other CES fighters are in line for regional championship bouts, including undefeated 22-year-old light featherweight title-holder Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard, 15-0 (9), who already owns the WBC Youth and USNBC title belts.

Another challenger is heavyweight Jason “Big Six” Estrada, 14-1 (3), 2004 Olympian, who has steadily climbing-up the ranks with victories against Lance Whitaker and Robert Hawkins. Another hot prospect is 22-year-old, “Awesome” Aaron Williams, 18-1-1 (12), the nine-time U.S. national amateur champion.

Power punching Joey “KO Kid” Spina, 23-1-1 (16), former WBC Inter-Continental and USNBC champion, campaigns as a super middleweight but has also fought in the light heavyweight division, in which, he is rated No. 12 by the WBO and No. 17 by the WBC.

CES also features veterans such as former world title challengers, heavyweight Charles Shufford and light heavyweight Kingsley Ikeke, 24-3 (13), as well as junior middleweight Ossie Duran, 23-6-1 (9), and undefeated heavyweight “Baby” Joe Mesi, 36-0 (29), who has temporarily put his boxing career on hold to run for a state senate seat in New York.

Other bright prospects in the CES stable include super middleweight Brian Macy, 5-0 (2), 2000 U.S. National PAL champion; lightweight “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy, 11-0-1 (6), super middleweights Angel Camacho, Jr., 11-0 (4).

Go to www.cesboxing.com for more information about CES.