Did BJ FLores turn down Matt Godfrey?

25/06/2008

Did BJ FLores turn down Matt Godfrey?

Jimmy Burchfield says yes.

Press Release: Promoter Jimmy Burchfield is disappointed that cruiserweight BJ Flores (21-0-1, 12 KOs) [allegedly] rejected an offer to fight Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-1, 9 KOs) in an ESPN2 main event next month. Godfrey's lone loss came against Rudy Kraj this past February in an IBF title eliminator. Flores and Godfrey are two of the top American cruiserweights in a division now primarily ruled by Europeans, excluding IBF champ 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 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. "