Godfrey to test self vs. Barnes

Cruiser bout added to Providence card

05/06/2005

Godfrey to test self vs. Barnes

PRESS RELEASE: Cruiserweight Matt Godfrey (7-0, 5 KOs) and  veteran Jermall "The Truth" Barnes (17-8, 4 KOs) have signed to face each other as the eight-round co-feature on Providence's Prime Time Fights, promoted by Jimmy Burchfield's CES on Friday night, June 17 in The Theatre at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.  "We've reached out to all of the top cruiserweights in New England – Roy Payne, John Rainwater and Richie LaMontagne – and nobody wants to fight Matt Godfrey," Burchfield said. "Matt's having trouble finding sparring partners his own weight. He has to spar with heavyweights. This is a dangerous fight; Barnes is going to test him. He's not coming to Providence to lose. It's going to be a helluva fight." Godfrey, 24, was a four-time National amateur champion. Barnes, 30, is a high school science teacher in his native Rochester, NY. He's a proven boxer-puncher who has beaten the only New Englander he's fought, Hector Sanjurjo, in 2002. "I've four times as many fights as Godfrey even though he has an extensive amateur background," said Barnes. "We both lace 'em up one at a time. I'm used to fighting in my opponent's backyard. It doesn't matter. It's important for me to come out steaming for the first four or five rounds, maybe all eight if it lasts. I'm going to steam roll him; fight as fast and as long as I can."  The main event is a 10-round super middleweight bout between Providence's Joey "KO Kid" Spina (15-0, 12 KOs) and former 154-pound world titlist Carl Daniels (49-6-1, 31 KOs). To purchase tickets, call CES' corporate headquarters at 401.724.2253/2254 or go to www.cesboxing.com.