Promoter Jimmy Burchfield of CES Sports told Maxboxing.com, as he boarded his plane to Germany, of his experiences with Godfrey when the fighter asked him to accompany him on visits to schools Godfrey once attended, where Godfrey speaks about making good choices in life. Burchfield, who has also lived where Godfrey was raised, said he was both honored and humbled to join him in his efforts to give back to his community, stating simply that Godfrey is “a credit to humanity.”
Heading into the fight, confidence abounds from Team Godfrey. Burchfield bragged that three sparring partners had to be sent home due to their inability to withstand the punishment delivered by Godfrey. Godfrey himself feels great, stating how he has been in great shape since last November when the Cunningham fight was proposed. “The world will see that not only can he box but he’s one of the heaviest hitters in his division.” Burchfield said.
He’ll need all of that and more in Germany as he fights for his first world title. Tasting the canvas twice in his past four fights, Godfrey has had weaknesses exposed and strengths revealed in the four wins.
With no rematch clause, a Godfrey win sets up a huge fight with Cunningham and the recognition as the world’s number one cruiserweight at stake. Does he have the tools and power to dethrone Huck? On Saturday, we will know the answer but Matt Godfrey is a fighter that is easy to support and hope for his success.
“For me, to be able to fight for a world title, as a Native American, and let people know that the Native American community is still here and still strong, all Native Americans are going to be part of this,” Godfrey said.
It’s a story that reminds us of boxing’s rich heritage and power of crossing racial, cultural, ethnic and economic lines as its combatants with vastly diverse backgrounds engage in the purest form sport, while bringing so many of us closer together in the process.
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