Matt Godfrey

Matt Godfrey
Statistics
Real name	Matt Godfrey
Nickname(s)	Too Smooth
Rated at	Cruiserweight
Nationality	American
Born	January 16, 1981 (1981-01-16) (age 30) Providence, RI, U.S.
Stance	Orthodox stance
Boxing record
Total fights	20
Wins	19
Wins by KO	10
Losses	1
Draws	0
No contests	0

Matt Godfrey (born January 16, 1981 in Providence, RI) is an American boxer.

Amateur career

Godfrey, who is a close friend of Jason Estrada since his childhood had an outstanding amateur career prior to turning professional.

He was the 2000 U.S. National Amateur Champion at Middleweight (165 lbs) and later the 2002 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion(limit 201 lbs) and 2004 U.S. National Amateur Heavyweight Champion. With a relaxed stick-and-move style but only average power he also won a bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-Am Games.

He was also a second alternate for 2004 U.S. Olympic Team after losing 8-17 to Devin Vargas (whom Godfrey had beaten before on another occasion). He lost three times to Aaron Williams (boxer), on the other hand he holds 3 wins over Chazz Witherspoon.

He compiled a 194-23 amateur record.

Amateur Highlights

• 2000 U.S. National Amateur Champion Middleweight (165 lbs)
• 2001 Bronze Medalist in Pan-American Games
• 2002 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion
• 2004 U.S. National Amateur Heavyweight Champion
• Second alternate for 2004 U.S. Olympic Team
• 6-time New England Golden Gloves Champion

Pro

Godfrey who is now trained by former world title challenger "Iceman" John Scully and Ross Enamait turned professional in 2004. He made his pro debut at the Convention Center in Providence Rhode Island in May of '04. After defeating 2 veterans in the summer of 2005 Godfrey beat Billy Willis by decision at the Convention Center in Providence and improved to 10-0. Godfrey stopped Ernest M-16 Mateen in the second round in February 2006.

Matt's next fight was the turning point in his career. He was matched up against amateur star Shaun George (also 11-0) in May 2006. George never had a chance, getting pummeled and knocked out in the first round. In April 2007 Matt was pitted against star of the Contender Series Felix Cora Jr. in the Main Event of the evening. In a fight that commentators noted was probably his first real test against a left-hander, Godfrey turned southpaw himself for two rounds to effectively outscore Cora, before knocking him down midway through the second round. Cora regained his feet, but did not provide any offense and the referee waved the fight off shortly thereafter.

4 months later Matt defeated Derrick Brown by decision which earned him a world title eliminator against Czech amateur star Rudolf Kraj. Godfrey was 16-0 while Kraj was 13-0. The fight would take place in Kraj's adopted home country of Germany and Kraj won on points.

Nearly 6 months later one of Godfrey's most exciting fights took place at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. He fought Emmanuel Nwodo who proved to be a tough fight for Godfrey but in the end Matt Knocked him out in the 4th round. Godfrey earned himself his 18th win against Edward Gutierrez in November 2008, pitched a shutout against undefeated Shawn Hawk (18-0) and improved to 20-1 with 10 KO's with a split decision win over veteran Michael Simms. The win earned Godfrey a shot at Marco Huck's WBO title which he lost by KO5. He lost again to undefeated Lateef Kayode on points.

Sporting positions
Preceded by Devin Vargas	United States Amateur Heavyweight Champion 2004	Succeeded by Tony Grano

External links

• Professional boxing record for Matt Godfrey from BoxRec
• CES Boxing Official Website

Persondata
Name	Godfrey, Matt
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	January 16, 1981
Place of birth	Providence, RI, U.S.
Date of death
Place of death