MONTE BARRETT PROFILE AND BIO

When describing Monte Barrett, one can use words like charismatic, poised, self-assured, humble, confident and gentlemanly. To meet Monte Barrett is to like him. He’s that kind of guy. But one he enters the ring, he transforms into a highly motivated, intensely determined, and totally focused fighting machine.

Following his professional debut in 1996, Barrett claimed 20 straight wins including victories over former world heavyweight champion, Greg Page and former heavyweight contender, Phil Jackson. The win over Jackson gave Barret the World Boxing Council Continental Americas heavyweight title.

This title catapulted Barrett into the world heayweight title picture.

After a first-round knockout win over Tim Ray, discovered defeat for the first time against fellow contender, Lance Whitaker in a disputed split-decision loss.

Barrett continued his assault on the heavyweight division by scoring wins over respected contenders Derrick Banks and Jimmy Thunder.

Seemingly back on track, Barrett accepted the challenge of facing Wladimir Klitschko . Not as prepared as he should have been, Barrett was knocked out for the first and only time in his career by the Ukrainian giant, surviving for seven rounds only because of his heart and courage. Boxing is a very unforgiving sport, and Barrett needed to prove his mettle immediately.

Barrett worked diligently to re-establish himself by defeating Tim Witherspoon in June 2001 and heavyweight contender Robert Davis in September 2001, and up-and-coming prospect, Erik Kirkland.

Barrett then faced Buffalo sensation “Baby” Joe Mesi in Dece4mber 2003. Mesi, known for early-round knockouts before hometown crowds in Buffalo, started quickly against Barrett and knocked him down in round five with a thunderous right hand to the jaw.

Undaunted, Barrett survived Mesi’s best shots and managed to battle back in the second half of the contest. Mesi walked into a sharp left hook to the jaw at the start of the seventh round that landed flush and Mesi dropped to one knee – the first knockdown of his career. Barrett punished Mesi throughout the remainder of the round and jolted Mesi again with a solid left hook to the head. Both men traded shots in the center of the ring as fans in attendance stood and cheered the fireworks.

Despite a left eye that was almost closed and being on the deck for the first time in his career, Mesi won by majority decision which was met by a chorus of boos from the crowd.

Barrett then took on undefeated Dominick Guinn in March 2004. Barrett asserted his dominance from round one, throwing punishing hooks to the body and head. Barrett won a hard fought split decision over the hometown favorite.

Barrett faced another undefeated heavyweight contender, Owen Beck in an IBF and WBC elimination bout in February 2005. Both fighters came out stong in what became one of the best heavyweight fights of the year.

Barrett used his superior ring experience to thwart Beck’s spirited attacks. Barrett floored the Jamaican in the second round, but a game Beck fought back valiantly, lasting until the ninth round when Barrett decked him twice more before the referee halted the action.

Barrett was now the mandatory challenger to IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd and the No. 2-ranked contender in the WBC. Two Gunz could have simply waited for the world title shot he had earned against Byrd, but promoter, Don King had other ideas.

Likewise, WBC No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger Hasim Rahman had been waiting through three postponements to face WBC champion, Vitali Klitschko. Due to these postponements, King successfully petitioned the WBC to sanction a match between Rahmand and arrett for the WBC interim championship. Both fighters were brave and accepted the challenge, knowing only one fighter would move ahead to a world championship match.

Rahman vs. Barrett took place in August 2005. In the year leading up to the fight, Barrett had undergone many personal and professional changes. His longtime mentor and friend, Tommy Parks passed away. Harold Knight was named his trainer. Barrett was also experiencing personal problems at home and if all of this were not enough, Monte and Rock were close friends.

Rahman established his jab early, winnin the first two rounds. Barrett dug in during the third round and ripped Rahman with a sharp left hand. Barrett seemed unaware that he had buzzed his opponent and did not apply any extra pressure before the bell sounded ending the round. That punch alone wone Barrett the round on two of the judges’ scorecards.

Monte fell silent after the third, abnormally content to allow Rahman to out-work him. He seemed to wake up in the last three rounds of the contest winning two of the last three rounds.on twq of the three scorecards. Regardless, it was too late for Monte who lost the decision.

Barrett remains bound and determined to become heavyweight champion of the world.