He was sleeping, so now I gotta slice my man
Like ham in a pan, wrap him up in Saran
The lyrics to a scratchy version of LL Cool J’s “Jack The Ripper” spat out of my car speakers, courtesy of Hot 104.1’s “Throwback at Noon” as I maneuvered north around construction towards Gamble Rec for an interview, and the lyrics couldn’t have been more appropriate, considering my subject.
Because on a crisp day under a bright sky with just a few thin white ribbon clouds, the lone figure toiling in the basement gym waiting for our Q & A was undefeated East St. Louis heavyweight Joell Godfrey.
The only sound outside the building was a dull buzz emanating from one of the muted amber lights over the double metal doors, but as I tugged on the handle I was reminded of the noise and excitement inside the Ameristar Casino on September 21, 2006.
On that evening, after a fairly even three rounds on the judges’ scorecards, Godfrey performed surgery on his opponent using an overhand right as a scalpel.
The tear resulted in some ruined outfits at ringside, and the knockout win not only lifted Godfrey’s record to 3-0, but also announced the arrival of a fighter filled with potential. The superbly conditioned athlete would continue his career with three straight W’s in Tunica, but challenges outside of the ring pulled him off his game and he drew even on the sheets after six rounds with Orlando, Florida’s DeLeon Tinsley this past April.
Godfrey would decision Tinsley in their rematch on the undercard of the Cory Spinks-Jermain Taylor bout at the FedEx Forum a month later, but contract issues have kept him on the shelf until tonight, when he resumes his pro campaign at Rumble Time Promotions’ “Battle on the Banks VI” at Ameristar.
It was clear after our meeting that he intends to take out his frustration associated with the layoff once he threads his 6’3” frame and 205 pounds through the ropes.
Clad in a shirt soaked to the skin and stepping effortlessly over a licorice-red plastic rope, the latest addition to the Rumble Time line-up nodded towards me as his trainer Winston Shaw tidied up the gym with a push broom.
During our sit-down, Godfrey told me he’s glad to finally get back to business.
He said, “I’m just happy to be back with Buddy Shaw, and now I’m stablemates with “Bull” (Latimore), Chris Sharp and Kevin Engel.” He added, “We’re looking to take Rumble Time to another level.”
Having turned 27 in October, Godfrey mentioned that he has a renewed focus as he concentrates on two things: family and boxing.
He said, “I’ve been working with Sam Hill as my main sparring partner and I plan on campaigning at cruiserweight also, because the division is wide open.”
But as he spoke of his fresh start and the people on his new team, there was also an edge to his expression and an ominous tone to some of his words.
He said, “On December 6, my opponent, that guy is going to feel it. The biggest thing is a win, but I’m in the hurt business and he will get hurt.”
He added, “My goal is to be an elite fighter. Six months is a long time, but I’m anxious to get back in the ring and give my fans an exciting fight.”
The fans in attendance tonight will get a look at the next chapter in the evolution of a man dedicated to reaching the peak of his profession.
“The Battle on the Banks VI” is tonight, Thursday, December 6 at the Ameristar Casino. Deandre “The Bull” Latimore and Kevin Engel will both be vying for titles when the action gets underway at 7 pm. Fox Sports Midwest will also be taping the event for a future broadcast. Any remaining tickets will be available at the Ameristar Gift Shop.
