Exclusive Boxing Interview: Matt Godfrey

In one of the most underrated divisions in boxing, undefeated NABA Cruiserweight Champ Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey, 14-0 (8), will face off against Felix Cora ,18-1-2 (9), this Friday, April 6 for the vacant NABF title and a shot at a possible world title fight later this year. The fight is headlining a card entitled “Collision Course” at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut and will be broadcast by ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights.

Rhode Island native Godfrey is currently ranked sixth in the WBC, ninth in the IBF and tenth in the WBA. With with a win over Cora on April 6, the 26 year old could propel himself into a world title shot very soon.

SaddoBoxing recently had the opportunity to speak with Matt about his upcoming fight and his opportunities in the cruiserweight division.

SaddoBoxing: Matt, You had a great amateur career; how has that helped you in your transition into the professional ranks?

Matt Godfrey: “The only thing that is different going from the amateurs to the professionals is the pace. I have had so many amateur fights that I have seen every style that is out there. Any style that is going to be thrown at me, I have already seen it.”

SB: You are fighting Felix Cora on April 6, but you guys were roommate once?

MG: “Yeah, at the 2000 Olympic trials, we both went home early, so we really didn’t see too much of each other.”

SB: What do you know about Cora’s style and the way that he fights?

MG: “I know that he stays busy and throws a lot of punches. And when you have two guys who are busy and stand in front of one another, you are going to have a candidate for fight of the year.”

SB: Are you still working with Peter Manfredo Sr.?

MG: “No, right now I am working with Nazim Richardson, Bernard Hopkins’ trainer. I am down in Philadelphia right now getting ready for the fight. Manfredo is working with his son, who fights the day after me, so Nazim is my number one right now and Peter Manfredo Sr. is my number two.”

SB: What have you been working on since your last fight?

MG: “I haven’t been doing anything specific. Just training hard and getting ready for the fight with Cora.”

SB: Can you give us some thoughts on the current state of the cruiserweight division?

MG: “I think that it is mine for the taking.”

SB: Who would you like to fight after Cora?

MG: “I want to go right for the top and right now thatʼs Jean Marc Mormeck. I would love a chance to fight him.”

SB: You have any predictions for the fight next Friday?

MG: “You know, I am not very good at predictions but I will say that I am going to win. It is going to be a great fight. He is going to throw a lot of punches and it is going to be a fight of the year candidate.”

SB: Thanks for the taking the time Matt and good luck on April 6.

MG: “No problem, thanks.”