Four years ago, former world title challenger Willie Monroe Jr. says he signed a contract to face Mexican idol Canelo Alvarez, but the fight failed to materialise.
The slick American southpaw still believes he is better qualified than most of the names who have been mentioned as Canelo’s next opponent on September 14.
Now Monroe, who previously challenged Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders for world titles, has staked his own claim to meet Canelo.
“This is a fight that is four years in the making,” said New Yorker Monroe (24-3, 6 KOs). “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 feel that I compare favourably to their resumes, and would definitely give Canelo a better challenge, so I would love that opportunity.”
Monroe is a promotional free agent and could prove a cost-effective option, closer to home, if others are overlooked.