Ex- European Champ Munroe Goes To Bantamweight

Rendall Munroe is dropping down a weight division to Bantamweight and has set his immediate sights on European champion – Jamie McDonnell.

The former European and Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight champion will have his first fight in the 118lb division in early February.

Southpaw Munroe, 31, said: “I was making 8st 10b comfortable and getting down to the new weight will not be difficult. My first bantamweight fight will be a 10-rounder and then I am looking straight for the European title and then meeting one of the world champions. I have sparred with McDonnell a few times and no disrespect to him, but I think I have his measure.”

Munroe has won 23 of his 25 fights and last year went the distance against WBC super-bantamweight champion Toshiaki Nishioka.

The Leicester boxer is switching divisions despite the lure of big money Super-Bantamweight matches against Carl Frampton and British champion Scott Quigg – his Hatton Promotions stablemate.

Munroe is also the number one challenger for his old European title, currently held by Kiko Martinez – the Spaniard he has defeated twice.

He added: “I am giving up a lot, but I also have a lot to gain by moving down to Bantamweight. Good luck to Carl and Scott in that division and I am sure they will meet down the line in what will be a brilliant Super-Bantamweight fight.”