NEW YORK (July 20, 2020) – Former two-time world title challenger Willie Monroe Jr. has thrown his hat in the ring for a potential showdown with four-division champion Canelo Alvarez that would take place in September.

Monroe (24-3, 6 KOs) of Rochester, New York has won three bouts in a row, and feels that he not only has signed to fight Canelo in the past, but he has as many credentials as some of the names that are being mentioned as possible opponents.

“This is a fight that is four years in the making,” said Monroe. “What happened was when I fought Gabriel Rosado four years ago, I signed a contract to fight Canelo. I think his people were arrogant in thinking that I would not win that fight. Well, I won that fight, and the fight with Canelo never happened.”

“My manager David McWater and Split-T Management works with everybody, and I am ready, willing and able to fight Canelo. Look at my track record, I am always willing to take on anyone. I stood and fought with Gennady Golovkin; I went to England to fight Billy Joe Saunders; I fought and beat Rosado, Javier Maciel, and Hugo Centeno. I see some of the guys who are in the mix, and I feel that I compare favorably to their resume’s, and would definitely give Canelo a better challenge, so I would love that opportunity.”

Monroe is managed by Split-T Management and is a promotional Free Agent.

NEW YORK (July 15, 2020) – Highly regarded prospect Javier Martinez made a successful professional debut by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Ryan Burrs in a middleweight bout at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Martinez is under the guidance of Split-T Management’s Tom VanNewhouse.

Martinez boxed well and featured a strong right hook, especially to the body. He made Burrs back up on several occasions with those hard right hooks as the tall southpaw won by scores of 40-36 on all cards.

With the win, the 24 year-old native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is now 1-0.

“I went in there with a game-plan that I thought that I was fighting a southpaw. I quickly adjusted. I should have used my jab more. In my next fight, I will fix that, and I will have my full team with me,” said Martinez.

“I could tell that I was working the body well. Those right hooks were very effective, and I am happy to win my pro debut. I will get back in the gym and work on the things that I need to work on, and I will keep getting better with each fight.”

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

NEW YORK (July 8, 2020) – Lightweight prospect Eric Puente remained perfect by winning a four-round majority decision over Diego Elizondo on Tuesday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Puente landed the more telling blows as he took his time against an awkward southpaw that stood 5’10”

Puente picked it up after the 2nd frame as he used pressure and worked the body. He mixed up his punches well with body shots and right hands.

The 20 year-old Puente shook off a 16-month layoff, by winning his Las Vegas debut by scores of 39-37 twice and 38-38.

With the win, the Visata, California native upped his mark to 3-0.

Puente was a 2016 National Youth Open Champion, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.

NEW YORK (July 7, 2020) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Eric Puente returns to the ring when he takes on Diego Elizondo in a four-round lightweight bout at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The 20 year-old Puente, who is managed by Split-T Management is 2-0, and he will be making his 1st appearance since his unanimous decision over Alejandro Lopez Huerta on March 23, 2019 in Costa Mesa, California.

Puente, of Vista, California was a 2016 National Youth Open Champion, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.

Elizondo of Carson City, Nevada is 2-1-2.

At Monday’s weigh-in, Puente was 135 lbs. Elizondo was 135.9