Matt Too Smooth Godfrey aiming for M16 Mateen in Providence

PROVIDENCE (February 10, 2006) – USNBC cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (10-0, 4 KOs) is locked and loaded for his Sunday night (Feb. 12) showdown against veteran Ernest “M-16” Mateen (28-11-3, 10 KOs) in their six-round bout on “The Contender Special – East Coast Pride” at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence.

Godfrey, rated No. 25 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), will be fighting in front of his hometown fans against his most talented opponent to date.

“Training has been excellent,” the 24-year-old said. “I had plenty of time to prepare for this fight, six weeks, and I'm in outstanding shape. I'm going in against somebody with a lot of experience and there's no way I'm looking past him. He knows all of the tricks, but I'm going to win this fight.”

During the course of his 14-year pro career, former IBU cruiserweight champion Mateen has beaten ex-IBF champion Uriah Grant, John Scully and David Telesco twice apiece, as well as Drake Thadzi and Steve Pannell. He's also fought current undisputed world cruiserweight title-holder O'Neil Bell to a draw and been in against the likes of Antonio Tarver, James Toney and Vassiliy Jirov.

Matt will be sharing the spotlight with two close friends who all started boxing at Manfredo's Gym in Pawtucket (RI), Peter Manfredo, Jr., The Contender finalist in the recently concluded reality television series, and his current CES stable-mate, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada.

Godfrey is rated No. 7 by the NABF, as well as No. 15 by the NABA and USBA.

For more information about Matt Godfrey visit www.mattgodfreyboxing.com.