16.03.06 – PROVIDENCE, RI — WBC United States Cruiserweight Champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey and 2004 United States Olympic Heavyweight Jason “Big Six” Estrada recently returned from Rocks Gym in Rochester, NY where the two assisted the former undisputed and current WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman as he finalized his preparations for his big bout Saturday night against future Hall of Famer James “Lights Out” Toney..
“It’s been quite an experience to get in the ring with Hasim Rahman,” said Estrada, who is 5-0, 1 KO as a professional. “Work like that really helps you and really shows you where you are in the game of boxing and helps put things into perspective.”
Estrada is coming off a “no contest” against tough former Cuban national amateur star Yanqui Diaz (13-3). The two butted heads in the first round and a cut was opened over Diaz’ eye prompting the “no contest” ruling.
“I really could not wait to get into the ring with Rahman because of the experience,” said Godfrey, who despite being only 11-0, 6 KO’s, already has a major championship and a WBC world rating to go with it. “Sparring with Rahman makes you appreciate what you see on TV that much more and I am looking forward to seeing him on HBO Saturday night.”
In addition to his belt and his ranking, Godfrey has been amassing quite a resume of opposition defeated. In his last bout, he scored a stunning 2nd round TKO over former champion Ernest “M-16” Mateen.
“Overall it was great meeting Rahman,” said Estrada. “He was a great guy and really showed what a true champion is.”
Godfrey also shared the same feelings as Estrada, “We had dinner with him and spent some time with him and we were able to see a completely different side of Hasim. He was such a cool guy.”
Both Estrada and Godfrey were thankful for their experience with Rahman and are looking forward to utilizing some of the things they learned, both in the ring and in their training regiments. As for the fight Saturday night, both Estrada & Godfrey think Rahman has what it takes to defeat James Toney.
“I think he will take a 12 round unanimous decision,” said Godfrey. “Rahman is in tremendous shape and I think he will use his size to win the fight and wear Toney down.”
“Rahman will win, I don’t know if he’ll knock him out, but I think he will win the fight,” agreed Estrada.
Both Godfrey and Estrada are promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports. Additional information on the two world class boxers is available online at www.cesboxing.com