Godfrey-Batchelder headlines Sept. 23 Pro-Am boxing show

Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) will promote the first boxing show ever held at the Connecticut Convention Center, the appropriately named “Night of the Rising Stars” Pro-Am card, headlined by a cruiserweight unification bout between Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey and Danny “Boy” Batchelder, on September 23.

Godfrey (12-0, 7 KOs), rated No. 14 by the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council, defends his USNBC and WBC Continental Americas title belts against WBC No. 13 ranked Batchelder (24-2-1, 11 KOs), who’ll put his WBC Continental Americas crown on the line in the 12-round main event

“This has been a two-year project,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said about promoting a show in Hartford. “We are in the city – the mecca – of what boxing once was and we’re giving Hartford a chance to prove it is the boxing capital. There’s so much boxing history in Hartford. We’ve dedicated this show, in respect, to a legendary trainer who did so much for boxing, Johnny Duke, who passed away. How do you have a fight in Hartford without honoring Willie Pep? We want Hartford to be one of our bases. Three top amateur matches representing as many different gyms In Connecticut are being planned for this show. We are here to bring boxing back to Hartford.”

Unbeaten prospect Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (10-0, 7 KOs) moves up in weight to fight for the vacant WBC Youth super featherweight championship against an opponent to be determined in the 10-round co-feature.

Scheduled to fight on the undercard in separate bouts are USBO super bantamweight champion Mike “Machine Gun” Oliver (15-0, 7 KOs), former USBA & NABF lightweight title-holder Israel “Pito” Cardona (35-6, 27 KOs), unbeaten heavyweight and 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada (6-0, 1 KO), former US Nationals amateur heavyweight gold medallist Tony Grano (4-0-1, 4 KOs) and junior middleweight Enrique Palau (4-0, 4 KOs). All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Cardona and Oliver are from Hartford, Remillard from nearby Manchester (CT), and Grano hails from Hebron (CT).

Opponents, ticket prices and other details will soon be released Call 401.724.2253 or visit www.cesboxing.com for more information.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Matt Godfrey: “Connecticut has been great to me. I’ve fought here four times and won them all by knockout. I fought a year ago in New Haven and I promised I’d have a good fight, hoping to get a main event. Now I’m fighting in the main event for three belts against Danny Batchelder. He’s 24-2, very tough, a hard opponent who is tall. He has a lot of good skills. I’m approaching this fight with extreme caution. I want to prove – I already know – I’m the best cruiserweight in the world. (looking up and down the dais) I feel like I’m on a New England amateur team again because I fought on a lot of cards as an amateur with Jason, Matt, Mike and Tony. It’s going to be a good show. I promise I’ll end this fight before the 12th.”

Danny Batchelder: (BY PHONE) “It’s going to be a good fight. I know a little about Matt. He’s a good fighter. It’s a good match-up and will be an excellent fight.

Godfrey: “It’s going to be a tough fight. You better bring you’re a game.”

Batchelder: “I’m going to bring my A game. No first round knockouts.

Godfrey: “Second round.”

Batchelder: “We’ll find out the 23rd.”

Godfrey: “You’re going to give me your belt after I knock you out. The last guy (Shaun George) took off out of the ring with it.”

Matt Remillard: “From the first time I signed as a pro I’ve wanted to fight here. This is the place I was born and the place where I’ll win my first title. Were going to pack the house and hopefully do more shows here. I feel great. I’m in great shape. I moved up to 130 pounds. I’ll be a true 130-pounder, faster and stronger. We’re here to help bring Hartford into a new era of boxing.”

Israel Cardona: “There’s not a fighter in the world that does not want to fight in his hometown. Me and Matt (Godfrey) have the best manager in t he world, Bret Hallenbeck, when is taking better care of me than when I was on top. I’m back for my last attempt at a world title. I’m healthy and ready to go. I’m a work in progress. My trainer, John Scully, is one of the best trainers out there. He’s got me doing things I didn’t think I’d do. Using my jab was bad, but now I’m using it naturally. Let me take care of business and then Matt (Remillard) and Mike (Oiliver) can take over here (Hartford). The last time I fought in Hartford was 1995, a long time ago. This is going to be a good show. I’d love to end my career (someday) right here in Hartford fighting for a world title.”

Mike Oliver: “I’m glad to be fighting in my hometown. I’ve dedicated this fight to Duke (his longtime trainer). I’m training hard and ready to go.”

Jason Estada: “I am really happy to bee fighting in Hartford. The last time I fought here I was 14 years old in the Silver Mittens at the San Juan Center. I’m happy to be back here fighting as a professional. I haven’t been on a card like this in a long time. I’ll perform like I always do – give a little of this, a little of that, razzle dazzle.”

Tony Grano: I’m very excited about fighting in my home. It’s a great honor because there have been so many great fighters to come out of Hartford. I’ve been training hard. I go to the Catskills with (world heavyweight challenger) Monte Barrett and I was sparring with (new world heavyweight champ) Oleg Maskaev. I’ve had a few setbacks – I lost my best friend – but I’m ready to get back. I’m ready to fight.”

Enrique Palau: “You’re going to see a good show. I’m 4-0 with four knockouts….going to be five after this fight.”