DiBella Entertainment has signed middleweight prospect and recording artist Willie Monroe Jr. The undefeated southpaw from Rochester, NY, will make his DBE debut on May 7 at the Main Street Armory in his hometown.
The name Willie Monroe evokes memories of great success inside a boxing ring and now DiBella Entertainment has signed the man who carries on that tradition. However, Willie Monroe Jr. is creating his own legacy of fistic achievement and fame.
“Willie has already started to display his famous boxing pedigree in just four professional fights and I’m excited to help him continue to develop that talent while also giving him the opportunity to showcase his own unique flare,” said DBE president Lou DiBella.
Monroe Jr. (4-0, 1 KO) had a limited amateur career, but still managed to capture gold at the Empire Games and in regional Golden Gloves competitions. He finished off his career in the unpaid ranks by reaching the National Golden Gloves finals in May 2007. Monroe Jr. briefly put his boxing career on hold before turning professional to focus on his music, which he pursues to this day.
“After the National Golden Gloves, I suggested to Willie that he take some time off to think about the whole music thing before concentrating on boxing. He’s incredibly talented with charisma and good looks. Willie has a chance to resurrect boxing and his music will help!” exclaimed trainer Danny Akers.
The 22-year-old Monroe Jr. trains at Performance Fitness in Ithaca, New York. Team Monroe consists of Willie, Akers, strength & conditioning coach Patrick J. O’Connor and cutman Don “Doc” Hassan. “Willie’s grandfather did a great job training him early on, but by late in his amateur career, he needed better conditioning, and Patrick has really made a difference” said Akers.
Monroe Jr’s father, Willie Monroe, was an outstanding middleweight from 1985 to 2000, who rose to # 6 in the world ratings in the early ‘90s. His great uncle, Willie “The Worm” Monroe, was a fantastic middleweight contender fighting out of Philadelphia in the ‘70s.
“This kid has the tools to go all the way. His handspeed reminds me of a young Roy Jones Jr.,” said advisor Johnny Bos. Ironically, it’s Jones Jr., who Monroe Jr. patterns his style after in the ring.
Monroe Jr. will be in six-round action on Thursday, May 7, at the Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York. In his most recent bout, he unanimously outpointed Chris Aucoin over four rounds in Syracuse, NY, on November 19. To date, in fifteen rounds fought as a professional, Monroe Jr. has yet to lose a single round.
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