Godwin turned pro in 1930. He captured the National Boxing Association World Light Heavyweight title on March 1, 1933 with a ten round points decision over reigning champion Joe Knight at Legion Arena in West Palm Beach, Florida. Godwin employed excellent blocking early in the bout. Though he took many hard licks, he remained aggressive and won the infighting, particularly after Knight tired by mid-bout.[5] Godwin took two of the first five rounds, with three even. Drawing on remarkable stamina, the 21-year old Godwin won the next four rounds, leaving the tenth even. Godwin took a beating in the bout, with both eyes badly swollen by the end. It was a primitive match requiring limited boxing skill or ring generalship.[6] Godwin won a total of three of the five meetings between him and Knight.[7]
