How Did Monroe Jr. Feel When He Got Golovkin Fight? “On Top of the World”

Published

10 years ago

March 17, 2015

This is a family business for the Monroes. We get that, fathers following the footsteps of sons, taking over the pizza shop when dad gets old, or being expected to follow the same path, get that law degree, and complying, maybe against a part of one's will.

Willie Monroe Jr., the New York native who knew from age six he wanted to be a boxer, who entered the family biz with no ambivalence, received the news he longed for, that he would be receiving the opportunity of a lifetime on May 16.

Now, that news. I characterize it as “the opportunity of a lifetime,” but I confess, when I hear about anyone getting the chance to fight Gennady Golovkin, as Monroe will on May 16, at the Forum in LA, and on HBO, I tend to have this reaction, just a tad anyway: some opportunity!

Careful what you ask for, you just might get it!

Yep, Golovkin is a smiling assassin, but assassin he is. He is there to do a job on fight night, and that is to make you submit. Mentally, physically, neurologically he wants to damage you. He's not the sort who wants to admit that to the world, make it so public that that is the plan. He cloaks the severity of the mission, the coldness, with his delightfully mangled terminology, and terminally adorable grin. The grin signals benevolence while the fists scream the opposite..

“Good drama show” and the ilk, that's the amusing soundbite stuff we lap up, alongside the heaping portions of controlled violence.

I asked Monroe, a 28-year-old with a 19-1 (just 6 KOs) record, how he felt when he got the “good,” I mean good, news.

“On top of the world,” he told me, via phone, from an LA hotel room, the day before his announcement presser to hype the clash. He got a text from promoter Arthur Pelullo, he said. “I was half asleep, but I was pretty happy!” The gig was supposed to go to Tureano Johnson, then Jorge Heiland, but Team Golovkin settled on Monroe because 1) he was willing and 2) he's a lefty, and they want GGG to get a look at that and 3) he's known to some boxing fans, from winning the middleweight tournament “Boxcino,” which runs on ESPN.

Monroe told Pelullo great, I've been in the gym, working hard, for weeks now. Let's do it. Monroe said he was psyched, and relieved, to get that big shot opportunity. He knows his great uncle Willie “the Worm” Monroe didn't really, truly get that big shot opportunity. He knows his dad, Willie Sr–who he didn't spend all that much time with growing up, he lived with his grandpa Lee Monroe mostly–didn't get that BIG SHOT. Getting the opportunity, he knows, is maybe half the battle. Now it's up to him. He's known, he said, since he was around six years old that the ring would be his thing. Same as it was for his great grandfather, who was a fighter, on up the chain. “I knew it was what I wanted to do,” he said.

Yes, he's watched some YouTube of the Worm in action, but is more prone to brush up on some Roy Jones Jr., Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, guys like that. And does he fight at all like unc? “He had that hit and don't get hit style. Worked on the outside. In my family, we got a good, solid jab. We are known for good, technically smart boxing.”

I did wonder if there is any element of competitiveness in Junior, being that Senior wasn't around too much. Is he a better boxer than his dad? “I don't let myself compete in that way,” he told me. Though, he allows, the thought has maybe crossed his mind once or twice, as he has sparred with dad in the way that the Jones have, the Mayweathers have.

J. Russell Peltz, the Philly-based promoter who has a place in the Hall of Fame, told me he thinks Golovkin is a beast among men, and anyone would have a tall hill to climb to beat him. “I haven't seen that much of Monroe Junior,” he told me from Florida, where he escapes the arctic blast. “But none of the Monroes are as good as the original, Willie “the Worm.” None have fought his level of opposition. And if he never got that “title shot opportunity,” remember, there wasn't a title on every corner in those days. He was certainly ranked in the top ten in a time when it certainly meant something. But Golovkin looks like he's in a league of his own among today's generation of middleweights, and that includes Peter Quillin and Danny Jacobs. But you never turn down a title shot. Can Junior beat Golovkin, no I don't think so, no one active at 160 today can.”

Oh, and for the record. That fight that saw The Worm beat Marvin Hagler. Junior won't be watching it on YouTube…or anywhere. “There was a snowstorm that day, and the the film crew never made it. But every round was a war. The Worm was the only guy that truly beat Hagler.”

Now, Junior isn't known for his pop, but he can belt, and has been active in his church, wowing those in the pew with his vocal chops. That spiritual foundation comes in quite handy when he looks to climb a higher mountain, as Golovkin is, he told me. Junior was on a men's retreat, for 48 hours, when the fight got announced, and he said it was a bit of a blessing, as no phones were allowed, so he dind't have to face a ringing blitz.

Hey, does he have any fear of the big bomber GGG? He gets butterflies before every fight, and wouldn't want it any other way, he told me. But, he noted, the Tysons, Foremans and Listons all had a certain aura of power and invincibility too…..”I'm not going to let butterflies deter me from being the most complete Willie Monroe Junior.”

Course, wowing Boxcino watchers or those in the pews at church is one thing; those in attendance at the Forum and on HBO with the patient predator Golovkin boring in on him, that's a different deal. Those that think Monroe will be the first to smudge Golovkins' record are in the minority, and mostly fall into the family and friends category. That's OK, he isn't put off by that. Fighters, they aren't like us, quite often. History, they don't as often as us assume, isn't the best predictor of the future. Monroe figures he has the slickness, the pure technical ability, to give Golovkin fits come May 16. Plus, he's bolstered by a deep faith, he told, as he's been a Christian and grounded in that for as long as he can remember. Do I think it'll happen? No. But have stranger things happened? Sure, this is the boxing business, strange is the default setting, by and large. We shall have to see how this worm turns..

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Bivol Evens the Score with Beterbiev; Parker and Stevenson Win Handily

Published

8 hours ago

February 22, 2025

David A. Avila

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It was labeled the best boxing card in history.

That’s up for debate.

And there was some debate as Dmitry Bivol avenged his loss to Artur Beterbiev to become the new undisputed light heavyweight world champion on Saturday by majority decision in a tactical battle.

“He gave me this chance and I appreciate it,” said Bivol of Beterbiev.

Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) rallied from behind to give Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) his first pro loss in their rematch at a sold out crowd in the Venue Riyadh Season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Like their first encounter the rematch was also very close.

Four months ago, these two faced each other as undefeated light heavyweights. Now, after two furious engagements, both have losses.

Beterbiev was making his first defense as undisputed light heavyweight champion and made adjustments from their first match. This time the Russian fighter who trains in Canada concentrated on a body attack and immediately saw dividends.

For most of the first six rounds it seemed Beterbiev would slowly grind down Bivol until he reached an unsurmountable lead. But despite the momentum he never could truly hurt Bivol or gain separation.

Things turned around in the seventh round as Bivol opened up with combinations to the head and body while slipping Beterbiev’s blows. It was a sudden swing of momentum. But how long could it last?

“It was hard to keep him at the distance. I had to be smarter and punch more clean punches,” said Bivol.

Beterbiev attempted to regain the momentum but Bivol was not allowing it to happen. In the final 10 seconds he opened up with a machine gun combination. Though few of the punches connected it became clear he was not going to allow unclarity.

Using strategic movement Bivol laced quick combinations and immediately departed. Betebiev seemed determined to counter the fleet fighter but was unsuccessful for much of the second half of the fight.

Around the 10^th round Beterbiev stepped on the gas with the same formula of working the body and head. It gave Bivol pause but he still unleashed quick combos to keep from being overrun.

Bivol connected with combinations and Beterbiev connected with single body and head shots. It was going to be tough for the referees to decide which attack they preferred. After 12 rounds with no knockdowns one judge saw it a draw at 114-114. But two others saw Bivol the winner 116-112, 115-113.

“I was better. I was pushing myself more, I was lighter. I just wanted to win so much today,” said Bivol.

Beterbiev was gracious in defeat.

“Congratulations to Bivol’s team” said Beterbiev. “I think this fight was better than the first fight.”

After the match it was discussed that an effort to make a third fight is a strong possibility.

Heavyweight KO by Parker

Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) once again proved he could be the best heavyweight without a world title in knocking out the feared Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) to retain his WBO interim title. It was quick and decisive.

“Catch him when he is coming in,” said Parker, 33, about his plan.

After original foe IBF heavyweight titlist Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness, Bakole willingly accepted the match with only two days’ notice. Many experts and fans around the world were surprised and excited Parker accepted the match.

Ever since Parker lost to Joe Joyce in 2022, the New Zealander has proven to be vastly improved with wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. Now you can add Bakole to the list of conquests.

Bakole, 33, was coming off an impressive knockout win last July and posed a serious threat if he connected with a punch. The quick-handed Bakole at 310 pounds and a two-inch height advantage is always dangerous.

In the first round Parker was wary of the fighter from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He kept his range and moved around the ring looking to poke a jab and move. Bakole caught him twice with blows and Parker retaliated.

It proved to be a very important test.

Parker refrained from moving and instead moved inside range of the big African fighter. Both exchanged liberally with Bakole connecting with an uppercut and Parker an overhand right.

Bakole shook his head at the blow he absorbed.

Both re-engaged and fired simultaneously. Parker’s right connected to the top of the head of Bakole who shuddered and stumbled and down he went and could not beat the count. The referee stopped the heavyweight fight at 2:17 of the second round. Parker retains his interim title by knockout.

“I’m strong, I’m healthy, I’m sharp,” said Parker. “I had to be patient.”

Shakur Wins

Despite an injured left hand southpaw WBC lightweight titlist Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) won by stoppage over late replacement Josh Padley (15-1, 6 KOs). It was an impressive accomplishment.

Often criticized for his lack of action and safety-first style, Stevenson was supposed to fight undefeated Floyd Schofield who pulled out due to illness. In stepped British lightweight Padley who had nothing to lose.

Padley was never hesitant to engage with the super-quick Stevenson and despite the lightning-quick combos by the champion, the British challenger exchanged liberally. It just wasn’t enough.

Even when Stevenson injured his left hand during an exchange in the sixth round, Padley just couldn’t take advantage. The speedy southpaw kept shooting the right jabs and ripping off right hooks. At the end of the sixth Stevenson briefly switched to a right-handed fighting style.

Stevenson used his right jabs and hooks to perfection. Double right hooks to the head and body seemed to affect the British challenger. A clean left to the body of Padley sent him to the floor for the count in the ninth round. It was a surprising knockdown due to his injured left. Padley got up and the fight resumed. Stevenson unloaded with right hooks to the body and down went the British fighter once again. He got up and tried to fight his way out but was met with another left to the body and down he went a third time. Padley’s corner tossed in a white towel to signify surrender. The referee stopped the fight at the end of the round. Stevenson scored his 11^th knockout win.

Photo credit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom

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Early Results from Riyadh where Hamzah Sheeraz was Awarded a Gift Draw

Published

11 hours ago

February 22, 2025

Arne K. Lang

Early-Results-from-Riyadh-where-Hamza-Sheeraz-was-Awarded-a-Gift-Draw

After two 6-round appetizers, British light heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith got the show rolling with a lusty 12-round skirmish. Things went south in the middle of the seven-fight main card when WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames locked horns with challenger Hamzah Sheeraz. This was a drab fight owing to a milquetoast performance by the favored Sheeraz.

Heading in, the lanky six-foot-three Sheeraz, whose physique is mindful of a young Thomas Hearns, was undefeated in 21 fights. Having stopped five of his last six opponents in two rounds or less, the 25-year-old Englishman was touted as the next big thing in the middleweight division. However, he fought off his back foot the entire contest, reluctant to let his hands go, and Adames kept his title when the bout was scored a draw.

Sheeraz had the crowd in his corner and two of the judges scored the match with their ears. Their tallies were 115-114 for Sheeraz and 114-114. The third judge had it 118-110 for Adames, the 30-year old Dominican, now 24-1-1, who had Ismael Salas in his corner.

Ortiz-Madrimov

Super welterweight Vergil Ortiz Jr, knocked out his first 21 opponents, begging the question of how he would react when he finally faced adversity. He showed his mettle in August of last year when he went a sizzling 12 rounds with fellow knockout artist Serhii Bohachuk, winning a hard-fought decision. Tonight he added another feather in his cap with a 12-round unanimous decision over Ismail Madrimov, prevailing on scores of 117-111 and 115-113 twice.

Ortiz won by adhering tight to Robert Garcia’s game plan. The elusive Madrimov, who bounces around the ring like the energizer bunny, won the early rounds. But eventually Ortiz was able to cut the ring off and turned the tide in his favor by landing the harder punches. It was the second straight loss for Madrimov (10-2-1), a decorated amateur who had lost a close but unanimous decision to Terence Crawford in his previous bout.

Kabayel-Zhang

No heavyweight has made greater gains in the last 15 months than Agit Kabayel. The German of Kurdish descent, whose specialty is body punching, made his third straight appearance in Riyadh tonight and, like in the previous two, fashioned a knockout. Today, although out-weighed by more than 40 pounds, he did away with Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang in the sixth round.

It didn’t start out well for Kabayel. The New Jersey-based, six-foot-six Zhang, a two-time Olympian for China, started fast and plainly won the opening round. Kabayel beat him to the punch from that point on, save for one moment when Zhang put him on the canvas with a straight left hand.

That happened in the fifth round, but by the end of the frame, the 41-year-old Zhang was conspicuously gassed. The end for the big fellow came at the 2:29 mark of round six when he couldn’t beat the count after crumbling to the canvas in a delayed reaction after taking a hard punch to his flabby midsection.

Kabayel remains undefeated at 26-0 (18 KOs). Zhang (27-3-1) hadn’t previously been stopped.

Smith-Buatsi

The all-British showdown between light heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith was a grueling, fan-friendly affair. A former 168-pound world title-holder, Smith, 34, won hard-earned unanimous decision, prevailing on scores of 115-113, 116-112, and a ludicrous 119-110.

There were no knockdowns, but Liverpool’s Smith, who advanced to 31-2 (22) finished the contest with a bad gash in the corner of his right eye. It was the first pro loss for Buatsi (19-1), an Olympic bronze medalist who entered the contest a small favorite and was the defending “interim” title-holder.

This contest was also a battle of wits between two of America’s most prominent trainers, Buddy McGirt (Smith) and Virgil Hunter (Buatsi).

Check back shortly for David Avila’s wrap-up of the last three fights.

Photo credit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom

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Cain Sandoval KOs Mark Bernaldez in the Featured Bout at Santa Ynez

Published

1 day ago

February 21, 2025

David A. Avila

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Northern California’s Cain Sandoval remained undefeated with a knockout win over Mark Bernaldez in a super lightweight battle on Friday on a 360 Promotions card.

Sandoval (15-0, 13 KOs) of Sacramento needed four rounds to figure out tough Filipino fighter Bernaldez (25-7, 14 KOs) in front of a packed crowd at Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez.

Bernaldez had gone eight rounds against Mexico’s very tough Oscar Duarte. He showed no fear for Sandoval’s reputed power and both fired bombs at each other from the second round on.

Things turned in favor of Sandoval when he targeted the body and soon had Bernaldez in retreat. It was apparent Sandoval had discovered a weakness.

In the beginning of the fourth Sandoval fired a stiff jab to the body that buckled Bernaldez but he did not go down. And when both resumed in firing position Sandoval connected with an overhand right and down went the Filipino fighter. He was counted out by referee Rudy Barragan at 34 seconds of the round.

“I’m surprised he took my jab to the body. I respect that. I have a knockout and I’m happy about that,” Sandoval said.

Other Bouts

Popular female fighter Lupe Medina (9-0) remained undefeated with a solid victory over the determined Agustina Vazquez (4-3-2) by unanimous decision after eight rounds in a minimumweight fight between Southern Californians.

Early on Vazquez gave Medina trouble disrupting her patter with solid jabs. And when Medina overloaded with combination punches, she was laced with counters from Vazquez during the first four rounds.

Things turned around in the fifth round as Medina used a jab to keep Vazquez at a preferred distance. And when she attacked it was no more than two-punch combination and maintaining a distance.

Vazquez proved determined but discovered clinching was not a good idea as Medina took advantage and overran her with blows. Still, Vazquez looked solid. All three judges saw it 79-73 for Medina.

A battle between Southern Californian’s saw Compton’s Christopher Rios (11-2) put on the pressure all eight rounds against Eastvale’s Daniel Barrera (8-1-1) and emerged the winner by majority decision in a flyweight battle.

It was Barrera’s first loss as a pro. He never could discover how to stay off the ropes and that proved his downfall. Neither fighter was knocked down but one judge saw it 76-76, and two others 79-73 for Rios.

In a welterweight fight Gor Yeritsyan (20-1,16 KOs) scorched Luis Ramos (23-7) with a 12-punch combination the sent him to the mat in the second round. After Ramos beat the count he was met with an eight punch volley and the fight was stopped at 2:11 of the second round by knockout.

Super feather prospect Abel Mejia (7-0, 5 KOs) floored Alfredo Diaz (9-12) in the fifth round but found the Mexican fighter to be very durable in their six-round fight. Mejia caught Diaz with a left hook in the fifth round for a knockdown. But the fight resumed with all three judges scoring it 60-53 for Mejia who fights out of El Modena, Calif.

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