Monroe goes 2-0 nyob rau hauv 2016 with wins over two former world title challengers
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Philadelphia, Penn./Rochester, New York (Dec. 19, 2016) –Willie Monroe, Jr.is ready for another major opportunity after a year where he defeated two world title challengers.
The native of Rochester, New York scored unanimous decision victories over John Thompson and Gabriel Rosado in 2016 to put himself in position to be mentioned for an early-2017 bout with Canelo Alvarez or a world title opportunity with WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders. Monroe is also looking for showdowns with contenders David Lemieux and Curtis Stevens.
The recent win over Rosado netted Monroe the WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight title.
Sporting a record of 21-2 nrog 6 knockouts has Monroe ranked number-5 by the WBA, number-8 by the WBO and number-13 by the WBC.
This week, Monroe became a member of #TeamEverlast as a endorser for the legendary Everlast brand.
“I am very thankful to be a part of #TeamEverlast. Joining this elite group of guys is a testament to my hard work and determination being recognized. I look forward to growing with Everlast in the coming years.”
“2017 is going to be an exciting year,” said Monroe. “I saw what it is like to be on that stage in 2015 when I faced Golovkin for the world title. This year I beat 2 world title challengers decisively, and now I am looking to keep that momentum and have a big year. You will see a lot more fight out of Willie Monroe. I have already proved myself as a boxer, and this year I will have to show other elements out of Willie Monroe.”
“It was a big stage to fight Golovkin, but I fought on a bigger stage on the Canelo undercard in front of 50,000 neeg, and I proved that I am one of the top guys in the division. I will prove that once again in 2017.”
“The most important thing for me is activity in 2017. There are fights to be made; Saunders, Stevens, Lemieux. I would fight all of those guys one after another. My team and I ended 2016 with fireworks; lets continue that show in 2017.”
“Willie put together an amazing 2016 nyob rau hauv lub kawg 6 months of the year. I am glad we got the deal with Everlast finalized. This serves as excellent momentum going into 2017,” said Adrian Clark (Strategic Partner to Willie Monroe, Jr.)
“Willie had an outstanding year,” hais tias Banner Promotions Thawj Tswj Hwm, Artie Pelullo. “He showed his resiliency by coming back from the Golovkin fight. Great fighters take losses and come back stronger, and that is what Willie showed. He will be in a significant bout in early 2017, and he will prove again that he is one of the top middleweights in the world.”
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Cuaj hlis 20, 2016)–Middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. won the WBO Inter-Continental title this pastSaturdaynight with a solid 12-round unanimous decision over Gabriel Rosado.
The bout served as the co-feature to Canelo Alvarez’ 9th round stoppage over Liam Smith, where he captured the WBO junior middleweight title in front of 51,240 fans at AT&T Stadium.
Monroe boxed with precision and accuracy, befuddling Rosado throughout the contest as he continuously beat his opponent to the punch.
“Based on what he was saying at the press conference, I expected Gabe to try to knock me out,” said Monroe.
The Rochester native, Monroe mixed up his attack as he countered with his left hand and set up a lot of his offense with a piston-like jab.
“Once I got into my rhythm, I knew he would be two steps behind me, and that’s what happened. I started to notice that in the 3rd round that my jab was controlling the fight. Then he started reacting off a lot of my feints. He is a strong fighter, ntev, and he has heavy hands.”
Monroe was generally pleased to be able to win this important bout in front of over 51,000 kiv cua.
“That was pretty cool. It was a little nerving to be able to perform in front of that many screaming fans.”
Nrog lub yeej, plans are in motion for a fall showdown with Alvarez or a chance at the WBO Middleweight title.
“I am excited about what is next. Whether It is Canelo or Billy Joe Saunders, I am just excited about everything that will come in my future.”
“I am very proud of Willie,” stated Artie Pelullo, Banner Promotions President. “He showed how talented he is in fighting Gabriel Rosado. Rosado is not an easy guy to fight., and Willie dominated the pace of the entire fight. There are big fights in Willie’s future, as he is one of the top middleweights in the world.”
Photos by Tom Hogan–Tom Hogan Photos / Golden Tub Promotions
FROM AT&T STADIUM IN ARLINGTON, Texas, PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®
Arlington, Texas (Cuaj hlis 15, 2016)–Below are quotes from middleweight contender, Willie Monroe, Jr.from Thursday’s press conference in advance of his bout with Gabriel Rosado.
Monroe will face Gabriel Rosado in a 12-round bout for the WBO Inter-Continental title, which will serve as the co-feature bout to the Canelo Alvarez – Liam Smith WBO Junior Middleweight title bout onSeptember 17thfrom AT&T Stadium and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
WILLIE “EL MONGOOSE” MONROE, JR. Yav tas los lub ntiaj teb no Title challenger:
“I come from nothing, and I want to thank my team and my brother for everything.
“We worked hard for these opportunities; we have gone from fighting out of the garage and living off of food stamps,and now we are on the big stage. This is one of the biggest stage’s, and I want to thank you all for your support today.”
“KING” GABE ROSADO, Yav tas los lub ntiaj teb no Title challenger:
“I want to thank god for this opportunity, without him nothing would be possible, and I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions. I wasn’t spoon fed coming up, but this is a new and approved Gabriel Rosado.
“Vargas and I work well together. He lit up the fighter in me. I know this is a fight, but this is also entertainment. I’m going to bring a knock out on the 17th.”