CES Boxing: Burchfield Fires Back Concerning Godfrey vs. Flores

ByBoxing Press

Jimmy Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), has responded to comments made in last Saturday night’s post-fight conference in Biloxi (MS) by cruiserweight B. J. Flores and his promoter, 8-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. (Square Ring Promotions), about CES cruiserweight contender Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey.

When asked a question about a potential fight against Godfrey, as well as comments Matt made claiming he is the best non-world title-holding cruiserweight in the world, Flores reportedly said, “If Godfrey really wanted the fight that he needed to come and get it. I’m not going to say that I am or I’m not (the No. 1 cruiserweight contender) but I’m willing to prove whether I am or I’m not if I get that opportunity. So, if Matt Godfrey stands in my way, then so be it. He can get it.

Jones added, “B.J. is only a phone call away.”

“I read those comments Sunday and immediately called (Square Ring CEO) Bobby Goodman,” Burchfield said. “I left a message saying, ‘Here’s the phone call.’ I’m waiting to hear back. I’ve offered Godfrey to Flores at least three or four times through his different promoters and managers but he’s never accepted a fight against Matt.

“He always has some kind of an excuse. B.J. thinks he’s a lot better and more popular than he really is or he’d be fighting more often on national television. He wants big money to fight Godfrey, but it can’t happen without HBO or Showtime.

“They’re not calling to put him on. B.J. needs to understand the economics of boxing today. HBO and Showtime will certainly be interested in the winner of a fight between Godfrey and Flores.

“Maybe, B.J. should retire from boxing and stick to announcing because he does do a lot of talking and little fighting. All he seems to do is call out people and then fight nothing but stiffs. This last guy (Epifano Mendoza) was a built-up super middleweight. Look at the quality of opponents Matt has fought. There’s no comparison.

“I think his promoter, Roy Jones, Jr., is one of the greatest fighters of all-time and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him, especially after the way he dominated Jeff Lacy last weekend.

“We’ll work with anyone and we’ll fight B.J. anytime and any place. CES will work with Roy’s promotional company to make it happen. Roy said B.J. is only a phone call away. I called them. His people have my phone number but I’m still waiting for a return call.”

NABF champion Godfrey (19-1, 10 KOs) is rated No. 3 by the IBF, as well as WBC #5, WBA #11 and WBO #15. The Providence native, ranked No. 10 by The Ring magazine, had sensational knockout victories on ESPN Friday Night Fights against Emmanuel Nwodo, Shaun George, and Felix Cora, Jr.

In his WBC title eliminator against Rudolf Kraj, in which he suffered his only loss as a pro, Matt was coming on strong down the stretch only to run out of rounds and lose what turned out to be a very close 12-round decision that could’ve gone either way.

NABO junior heavyweight title-holder Flores (24-0-1, 15 KOs) is rated No. 3 by the WBO, in addition to WBA #6, IBF #10 and WBC #11. His only significant win to date was against Darnell Wilson.