May you and your Family have a safe and Happy 4th of July!
From Jimmy Burchfield and
Everyone at Team CES
Flores rejects CES offer to fight Godfrey on ESPN show
PROVIDENCE (June 25, 2008) – Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) president Jimmy Burchfield has expressed his disappointed that USBA cruiserweight champion BJ Flores (21-0-1, 12 KOs) has rejected an offer to fight NABF cruiserweight title-holder Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-1, 9 KOs) in an ESPN2 main event next month.
Flores is rated No. 2 by the IBF, as well as No. 7 and No. 8, respectively, by the WBO and WBA. Godfrey, ranked No. 5 by the WBC, was dropped from the WBA and IBF rankings when he fought Rudy Kraj (LDEC12) this past February in an WBC title eliminator.
The cruiserweight division has been left wide open with David Haye’s recent move up to the heavyweight ranks. Flores and Godfrey are two of the top American cruiserweights in a division now primarily ruled by Europeans, excluding IBF title-holder Steve Cunningham.
“Flores and his people refused the challenge to fight Godfrey on ESPN2,” Burchfield said. “They’ve been shooting their mouths off in the media about wanting to fight a top cruiserweight, but they claim that there isn’t enough money in a fight against Godfrey, that it belongs on HBO or Showtime. Well, HBO and Showtime aren’t interested in that fight. Flores hasn’t had a fight since he beat Darnell Wilson (WDEC12) last December on ESPN2. I think they’re being shortsighted. The winner of a fight between BJ and Matt would be the top American challenger at 200-pounds and then HBO and Showtime would have to be interested. Both BJ and Matt need a big win to get to that level.
“Look, BJ, I can have a contract to you within 24 hours. You’ve talked a lot, now it’s time to put your name on the dotted line. It was time to put up or shut up and I guess BJ shut up. Reconsider and take the fight. This is the second time I’ve offered you a fight against Godfrey.
The last time you were promoted by Silverhawk and I don’t know if you ever knew about it. You do now. We believe Matt Godfrey is the top American cruiserweight contender. Here’s you’re opportunity to prove you’re the real No. 1.”
Open Letter to Chris Arreola From U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada Dear Chris,
Congratulations on your win last weekend against Chazz Whitherspoon. I honestly didn’t agree with the referee’s decision to disqualify Chazz. Hell, I really wasn’t impressed by anything you did.
I think it’s time for us to determine who America’s top heavyweight prospect is. There’s been a lot of hype about you being the “Nightmare,” but you’ve never fought anybody quite like “Big Six.”
Chris, I had an understanding that if Chazz had beaten you, he was going to fight me next. I am going to be world heavyweight champion and I’m willing and able to fight anybody who is in my way, including you, Chris. I’m calling you out, brother. I know you want to be heavyweight champ, too, so try and go through me instead of taking the easy way out.
I’ve been minding my business, fighting anybody my promoter Jimmy Burchfield has put in front of me. None of them have had a losing record and the combined record of my opponents when they fought me is 203-73-9. Nine of your 24 opponents had losing records, 256-180-21 overall. There are a lot of cupcakes and tomato cans on your resume. My opponents had a winning percentage of 71-percent, yours is only 56-percent. Can you spell PROTECTED?
I’ve sat back and watched other so-called prospects like you fighting stiff after stiff. And somehow the media has bought into you being the “Nightmare” because you’ve knocked out so many of these guys. You’re a strong club-fighter, that’s it, at least until you beat somebody like me, a boxer whose skills you’ve never been in against.
I have one loss on my record because I was willing to fight in the other guy’s (Travis Walker) hometown. He had 20 pro fights, I only had six, and I hurt my shoulder early in the fight. Yet, I still almost pulled off a victory.
I’m ready to fight you to prove I’m America’s No. 1 heavyweight hope. Chris, let’s make it happen. All of the top rated heavyweights are tied up for months, anyway. Who’s out there for you other than more ready-made opponents?
Styles make fights and fans always love to watch a puncher like you fight a boxer like me. Supposedly, I can’t punch, so just get into the ring with me and find out what I have -- great whiskers and the fastest hands in our division.
You’re supposed to be the “Nightmare.” Try and scare me; I dare you, Chris.
Sincerely,
Jason “Big Six” Estrada
2004 U.S. Olympian
Future World Heavyweight Champion
CES FEATURED FIGHTER OF
THE MONTH
JASON "BIG SIX" ESTRADA Pro Record: 13-1 (3 KO's) More on Jason Estrada
