LONDON (JULY 17, 2017)–WBO Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders will make the second defense of his crown against New York’s Willie Monroe Jr. on Saturday, September 16th at London’s Copper Box Arena, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Hatfield’s Saunders (24-0, 12 KOs) defeated Irish hero Andy Lee to take the WBO strap in a close and absorbing fight back in December 2015 that saw the undefeated star floor the former Champion twice in the third round and go on to claim a majority decision from the judges.

A series of injuries led to a frustrating 2016 for Saunders, but he eventually defended his belt last December against Artur Akavov in Glasgow. Saunders was not at his best, but outpointed the game Russian. He was due to take on Avtandil Khurtsidze before the Georgian’s arrest in June.

Monroe Jr (21-2, 6 KOs) has a second chance at winning a World Title after a sixth round stoppage loss against IBF, WBA and WBC Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin back in 2015. Since then the 30-year-old has won two decisions over John Thompson and Gabriel Rosado and holds a number five World ranking with the WBO.

“I am happy for this World Title opportunity,” said Monroe Jr. “I’m always in the gym and I’m ready to go now; I live the life. I can’t wait to show up and show out in London. Saunders is a good fighter and a worthy World Champion but I’m coming for that belt.”

“I gave a good account of myself against Golovkin, but I will admit that I got caught up in the moment. Billy Joe has had a lot of luxuries throughout his career that I haven’t had. All of his fights have been here in his own backyard, he hasn’t had to go into the Lion’s Den to prove himself. He calls me mentally weak but we’ll see on September 16th.”

“Willie is a good fighter and a good boxer,” said Saunders. “This is his big chance and he isn’t coming over here just to make up the numbers. He has been in with some of the best fighters in the World including Golovkin where he came up short.”

“I think it is going to be a very close fight but I already have the mental edge over him. He said he was done against Golovkin and that’s not what a warrior would do. I’d rather get knocked out cold than quit. I haven’t had the chance to show my true skill and talent as of yet as a pro. I can’t afford to overlook him and I’ll be in the best shape of my life on September 16th. I’m 100% going to get the win.”

Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions said: “I am very happy for Willie; this is a great opportunity. A lot of things had to fall into place for Willie to get this fight. Saunders is a great fighter, and this should be a terrific event. I want to thank tthe WBO as well as Frank Warren and Billy Joe Saunders for this opportunity.”

Press Conference Video Highlights courtesy of BT Sports

Saunders’ promoter Frank Warren said: “Bill will have to be at the very top of his game to get the win on September 16th. The winner of this fight will have the missing piece on the Middleweight jigsaw, Canelo and Golovkin both want that WBO belt.”

“If Bill comes through this fight we are pushing hard for the winner of Canelo vs. Golovkin. If Golovkin wins I hope we can do that fight in December, if Canelo wins it could be in the New Year. Bill has to go out there and prove a point, there is a lot on the line.”

Ilford Light-Heavyweight knockout king Anthony Yarde and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois will feature on an action-packed undercard. Yarde picked up the WBO European strap with a first round KO win over Richard Baranyi last time out at the Copper Box Arena while 19 year-old Dubois claimed the WBC World Youth Heavyweight belt in only his fourth contest.

Full undercard details will be announced shortly.

Tickets for Saunders v Monroe Jr priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150, £200 and £300 (VIP/Hospitality) are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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 with 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 people, 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 in the final 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,” said Banner Promotions President, 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.”

Gabriel Rosado on September, 17th, it was widely understood in the boxing industry that middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. would get an opportunity to face Canelo Alvarez in a bout this winter or next spring.

Now it seems, Canelo’s team, led by trainer Eddie Reynoso, have seemed to do a 180 degree turn, and they don’t want their prized fighter anywhere near the former world title challenger.

“I don’t think it’s Canelo himself, but it is his team. I know Canelo would fight me,” said Monroe. “I think it is trainers who fear that they can’t prepare Canelo for my style.”

Monroe points to pre-fight talk that came from Canelo’s side that the winner of the fight between Monroe & Rosado would be the front-runner to receive the fight with Alvarez.

“If he is a true man, they should stick to their word. The plan was for the winner of that fight to be able to fight Canelo. They thought Rosado would win, and he would just be a guy that would get pounded by Canelo.”

“If the shoe was on the other foot, and it was me who did not want to fight an aggressive fighter, I would look like a punk.”

“They keep putting me on the “B” side, and I just keep on winning. Remember Rosado was the guy who kept saying he was going to knock me out and talking a lot, calling me scared and a bum; I am not that type of guy. I don’t have nine gold chains around my neck or gold teeth in.”

Watch the fight with Rosado. I stood in the middle of the ring with my feet planted in. I was waiting for Rosado to come in, and after I hit him a few times, he looked scared and it was me pressing him.”

“All I want is the opportunity. Canelo got to where he is by fighting big names, so I feel I deserve this opportunity.”

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (September 20, 2016)–Middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. won the WBO Inter-Continental title this past Saturday night 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, durable, and he has heavy hands.”

Monroe was generally pleased to be able to win this important bout in front of over 51,000 fans.

“That was pretty cool. It was a little nerving to be able to perform in front of that many screaming fans.”

With the win, 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.”

Arlington, Texas (September 16 2016)–Middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. weighed in at a ready 158.75 lbs this afternoon at AT&T Stadium, while his opponent Gabriel Rosado tipped the scales at 159.25 for Saturday night’s WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight title bout. The fight will serve as the co-feature bout to the Canelo Alvarez – Liam Smith WBO Junior Middleweight title bout from AT&T Stadium and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

After a tense stare-down, Rosado shoved Monroe, to which Monroe simply smiled at the Philadelphia native.

Below are quotes from the two fighters:

Willie Monroe, Jr.
(On the shove) “Let him do what he does. We have twelve rounds or less to see what he can do. We are going to see what happens.”

“It’s never personal for me, it’s always business. I do this for the fans. I am part Cubano, so I have that Latino blood.”

Gabriel Rosado
He was talking some smack, so I will just take care of it. Like a true Latino fighter, I am coming to fight. He is running. He don’t want a war, but that’s what it is going to be on Saturday.”

(On the impact of his trainer, Fernando Vargas) “Me and Fernando Vargas are cut from the same cloth. We come to bring it. We come to bring the pain. That’s what it’s going to be on Saturday.”

Arlington, Texas (September 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 on September 17th from AT&T Stadium and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

WILLIE “EL MONGOOSE” MONROE, JR. Former World 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, Former World 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.”

Photos by Tom Hogan Photos / Golden Boy Promotions

Arlington, Texas (September 14, 2016)–Below are quotes from middleweight contender, Willie Monroe, Jr. from his media workout on Tuesday that took place at the Texan Resort and Convention Center.

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 on September 17th from AT&T Stadium and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

WILLIE MONROE JR., Former Middleweight World Title Challenger:

“It’s going to be a fun night this September 17. I am ready to get in and brawl. It’s a privilege to be under one of the biggest HBO cards of the year. Going up against Rosado will be interesting, and I am ready to see what he brings into the ring.”

“The fans can expect an exciting night of boxing; I will go out and show them the best Willie Monroe, Jr.”

LOS ANGELES (August 18, 2016) – As fans from around the world get ready to descend on the home of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the world championship showdown between former two-division world champion and Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) and current WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion, Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1,13 KOs), Golden Boy Promotions today announced the Saturday, September 17 event will also feature three non-stop action fights as part of the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Former world title challenger Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe, Jr. (20-2, 6 KO’s ) of Rochester, N.Y. will take on blood-and-guts contender, “King” Gabriel Rosado (23-9, 13 KO’s, 1 NC) of Philadelphia, in a 12-round, middleweight bout as the co-main event to Canelo vs. Smith. The sure-fire action fight features two of boxing’s most resilient fighters who have taken on the top fighters in the division on their rise to stardom, garnering praise and respect from boxing fans. With a final run up the middleweight ladder at stake for the winner, this 50/50 fight will feature non-stop action and two warriors desperate for a win.

“I am happy to be back in championship contention,” said Willie Monroe, Jr. “Gabriel Rosado is a warrior and this should make a for a great fight. I am looking forward to this opportunity. It is a big venue, but I don’t care if I am fighting in front of 200 people or 2 million people. I am always focused and I plan to put on a great performance on September 17.”

“I am very Happy that Willie is getting this opportunity,” said Arthur R. Pelullo, President and CEO of Banner Promotions. “Willie has displayed that he is one of the top middleweights in the world, and he will show that on September 17th against a quality fighter in Gabe Rosado which should be an all-action, fan-friendly fight.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to perform at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys,” said Gabriel Rosado. “Fernando Vargas, my trainer and I are on a winning streak and getting better as we continue to work together. We have all the confidence we’ll be victorious on September 17. Training camp is going great; despite the change in opponent, we still continue to maintain our focus. Willie Monroe, Jr. is a southpaw as well so the game plan doesn’t change much. He’s in my way of me gaining a world title so I’m working harder than ever before to get that chance again. This is going to be a great fight for all the fans, I know I am coming in with everything I got and I know Willie Monroe, Jr. will do the same. I would like to thank Golden Boy Promotions, AT&T Stadium, and HBO for having me part of such a big event, I promise all boxing fans, this is the fight to watch on September 17.”

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium, doors open at 2:30 p.m. CT. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

Willie began boxing at the age of six and comes from an acclaimed boxing family, which includes his father, Willie “The Body Rock” Monroe, who fought for the USBA and NABF titles at middleweight and super middleweight; his great uncle Willie “The Worm” Monroe (39-10-1) who was considered one of the best Middleweights of the 1970’s and holds a win over the great Marvin Hagler; his cousin Marcus Hall (6-6-1), and his late grandfather, Lee Monroe, a distinguished amateur in his fighting days. Willie had a distinguished amateur career, as well, which saw him go 128-14. He was a three-time national champion and won countless regional and state championships. He was a 2-time Empire State Games champion and 4-time State Golden Gloves champion. He lost in the quarterfinals of the 2008 Olympic trials to former IBF Welterweight champion Shawn Porter. Willie’s big breakthrough was winning the 2014 Boxcino Middleweight tournament on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. Willie then took a ten-round unanimous decision win over perennial contender Bryan Vera on January 16, 2015 from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. With this impressive run of victories, Willie earned an opportunity to fight for the WBA Middleweight title of the world. On May 16, 2015, Willie took on WBA/Interim WBC Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin in a bout that headlined HBO Championship Boxing at The Forum in Inglewood, California. In his last bout on June 11, 2016, Willie scored two knockdowns and went on to win an impressive ten-round unanimous decision over 2015 Boxcino Junior Middleweight Champion John Thompson. The bout took place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Since making his film debut in last year’s Creed, the latest installment of the internationally recognized Rocky franchise, “King” Gabe Rosado is fresh off of an exciting victory over Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey this past December 2015 and an exciting decision victory over Antonio “Tony” Gutierrez on the undercard of Fight of the Year contender Vargas vs. Salido on June 4. Rosado has established himself as one of the most entertaining fighters to watch in the sport taking on some of the toughest and elite fighters in the middleweight division. The epitome of Philadelphia toughness, Rosado has been battling the best for over a decade, including Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, David Lemieux, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Jesus Soto “Renuente” Karass, Alfredo “Perro” Angulo, Kassim “The Dream” Ouma and Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo. But this September, the stage is all his, and he expects to leave Texas with a victory under his belt when he takes on Willie Monroe, Jr.

Philadelphia, PA (July 12, 2016)–Banner Promotions is pleased to announce the re-signing of former world title challenger and Boxcino 2014 Middleweight champion, Willie Monroe Jr. to an exclusive promotional agreement.

Monroe of Rochester, New York has a record of 20-2 with 6 knockouts and is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over fellow former world title challenger and Boxcino champion, John Thompson on June 11th in Verona, New York.

The 29 year-old Monroe turned professional in 2008 and won his first 10 bouts. Monroe won the 2014 Boxcino Middleweight tournament with wins over Donatas Bondorovas, Vitally Kopylenko, and Brandon Adams.

Those wins catapulted him into a bout with WBA/Interim WBC Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin.

Monroe performed admirably in the bout, which took place on May 16, 2015 at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

“I’m excited to re-sign with Banner Promotions. Artie has been nothing but great to me, and he’ll put me in position to fight against the Danny Jacobs and Canelos of the boxing world,” said Willie Monroe Jr.

“It feels good to have a fresh start over. I am coming off of a huge win on Showtime vs. John Thompson, and I now have a great team watching my back with my brother, Trent Monroe, TJ Nolan and Adrian Clark as my Strategic Partner.”

“Doing what was best for Willie was the focal point in negotiations. We put our heads together and structured a great deal for Willie with Banner Promotions. I am looking forward to working with Artie to map out things for Willie,” said Adrian Clark, Monroe’s Strategic Partner.

“We are excited to have Willie back in the fold,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.

“Willie has showed not only in the Boxcino tournament, but in his fight against Golovkin, that he is one of the top middleweights in the world. He had a great performance against John Thompson, and now he is ready for any challenge in the division. We will be actively pursuing all of those opportunities for Willie.”