Rosado to Collide with Monroe Jr. in Co-Main of Canelo-Smith Clash

With the card coming together at a brisk pace, the boxing world finally knows what duel will serve as the co-featured attraction to the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. Liam “Beefy” Smith event next month. Promotional officials announced on Thursday that former world title challenger Gabriel Rosado will take on Willie Monroe Jr. in a 12-round middleweight encounter.

One of the most exciting fighters in the biz, Rosado (23-9, 13 KOs) will look to bring himself back into title contention with a win. The Philadelphian has taken on some of the best there is and virtually all of his losses have come against elite foes. He came up short against Gennady Golovkin for the WBA middleweight crown three years ago and fell short against Peter Quillin 10 months later. He’s also taken on the likes of David Lemieux, Jermell Charlo and Sechew Powell and has won his last two bouts.

“Fernando Vargas, my trainer and I are on a winning streak and getting better as we continue to work together,” said Rosado. “We have all the confidence we'll be victorious on Sep. 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.”

Monroe Jr. (20-2, 6 KOs) hasn’t taken on as many fierce competitors at the elite level as Rosado, but the Rochester native did challenger for the middleweight title as well. Unfortunately, just like his upcoming adversary, “El Mongoose” was stopped by Golovkin.

“I am happy to be back in championship contention,” 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 two million people. I am always focused and I plan to put on a great performance on September 17.”

The televised undercard will also see 2012 Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. (21-0, 12 KOs) taking on Andrew Cancio (17-3-2, 13 KOs) in a featherweight encounter. Opening the telecast will be a super bantamweight 10-rounder featuring Diego de la Hoya (15-0, 9 KOs) and Luis Orlando Del Valle (22-2, 16 KOs).

The event will be held inside the massive AT&T Stadium down in Dallas and will be televised on HBOP Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.