Godfrey relinquishes Sovereign Nations Boxing Council (SNBC) title

PROVIDENCE, World rated cruiserweight contender Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey has relinquished his Sovereign Nations Boxing Council (SNBC) belt so that worthy contenders may fight for it as he prepares for a major world title shot.

SNBC links federally recognized tribes throughout the United States and Canada. Its mission is to develop, promote and help regulate professional boxing and mixed martial arts in a fair and professional manner by federally recognized tribes that are sovereign nations.

Godfrey (19-1, 10 KOs), a full-blooded Wampanoag, became the first SNBC champion last November, winning a unanimous 10-round decision against Edward Gutierrez at 4 Bears Casino in New Town, North Dakota.

Godfrey successfully defended his SNBC belt, as well as his NABF title, with a unanimous 10-round decision (99-91, 98-92, 97-93) against previously unbeaten Shawn “The Sioux Warrior” Hawk in the main event on a recent ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show in Philadelphia.

After their fight, Godfrey handed his SNBC title belt to Hawk, who grew-up on the Crow Creek Reservation, South Dakota. “I was honored to be the first SNBC champion and I am proud of my Native American heritage,” Matt explained. “I’ve relinquished the SNBC belt only because I am concentrating on a major world title fight and it’s only fair that others have the same opportunity to fight for the SNBC belt that I had. It’s very special to me because it’s the only Native American title in boxing. I handed it to Shawn as a goodwill gesture because he probably should have fought Gutierrez when I did. Hawk and I are both Native Americans, but he grew up on one of the toughest reservations, and I’m from the city. I meant no disrespect at all. Shawn has a lot of potential and he will win the SNBC belt soon.”

SNBC President Pat Packineau understood Godfrey’s gesture. “Matt Godfrey was a great first SNBC champion and we wish him luck when he fights for a world title. All Native Americans will be in his corner. We were honored to have him as our cruiserweight champion. We appreciate him giving other contenders an opportunity. Shawn Hawk is scheduled to fight for the now vacant SNBC cruiserweight title on October 24 at 4 Bears Casino.”

The 28-year-old Godfrey, rated No. 10-ranked by The Ring magazine, as well a No. 3 by the IBF and No. 6 by the WBC, took a different approach to his fight against Hawk, effectively boxing as a southpaw, opposed to his three previous ESPN FNF knockout performances against Emmanuel Nwodo, Felix Cora, Jr. and Shaun George.

Godfrey is primarily an orthodox fighter who often turns around and fights left-handed. Against Hawk, though, Matt fought exclusively as a southpaw. “I outclassed Hawk,” Godfrey said. “I kept him off-balance with my jab. We knew going in he had no experience fighting southpaws. If I kept circling, we knew he’d follow; my jab out of the southpaw stance kept him confused. It’s always good to have two weapons.

“I picked it up in the third round and hit him with some good shots. But he’s a tough, dangerous kid and there was no reason to change our plan when it was working so well. I always listen to my corner and I was told not to go crazy. I won nine rounds against a previously unbeaten fighter.”

See you at the Fights.
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©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

SNBC sanctions first title fight Godfrey-Gutierrez Saturday night at 4 Bears Casino in N. Dakota

NEW TOWN, North Dakota– Sovereign Nations Boxing Council (SNBC) debuts tomorrow night (Saturday, November 22) when cruiserweights Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey and Eddie “The Iron Man” Gutierrez fight for the first SNBC title headlining a special card, promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., at 4 Bears Casino in New Town, North Dakota.

SNBC links federally recognized tribes throughout the United States and Canada. SNBC’s mission is to develop, promote and help regulate boxing in a fair and professional manner by federally recognized tribes that are sovereign nations.

“What makes SNBC different from other native organizations is that it’s not based on race,” SNBC president Pat Packineau explained. “SNBC has been created to draw awareness that tribal casinos host numerous boxing events every year and our new organization unites tribes in the sport by having our own championship belt. Boxers of any race may capture the SNBC championship, as long as the title fight is contested on federally recognized land or have off-tribal sites approved in advance by the SNBC board of directors.

“The SNBC’s goal is to bring notoriety to Native American casino boxing events and recognize the athletes competing on Tribal Lands for SNBC championships. We’re excited to host the first SNBC title fight at 4 Bears Casino.”

Godfrey and Gutierrez, both Native Americans, square-off in tomorrow night’s 10-round main event for the SNBC cruiserweight title. Providence-native Godfrey (17-1, 10 KOs), rated No. 3 by the WBC, is the reigning NABF cruiserweight champion, while Gutierrez (15-5-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of Oakland (CA), is a former Illinois State cruiserweight title-holder.

SNBC

SNBC is committed to serving the communities and advancing the lives and economic situation off all Native people, as well as all professional boxers, in a positive and professional manner. For more information about Sovereign Nation Boxing Council call 701.6277539, go online at www.snbcmma.com, or write to SNBCMMA, P.O. Box 36, Parshall, ND 58770.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved