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Omar Henry is one of the most exciting prospects in US Boxing. In his 7 professional fights he has a record of 7-o (6ko) with all 6 knockouts coming in the first round.
Out of the ring Omar is a level-headed guy who is studying business and political science. It was a real pleasure for boxingview.com to put some questions to him about his career and boxing in general.
Read the exclusive interview below.
BV: You have a growing reputation as a KO specialist, what do you put your explosive power down to?
OH: I think that like most K.O. punchers, part of the power is just a god given gift. The other part of it is me working with my team on balance, technique, accuracy and leverage with my punches.
BV: In 7 pro fights you’ve only boxed 10 rounds, are you looking to get more pro rounds under your belt in 2010 and show people you can box too?
OH: I believe that I am a skilled boxer and I am working hard and learning my craft in the gym on a daily basis. I spar with top notch guys; I have one of the best trainers in the game in Ronnie Shields, teaching me the ins and outs of the pro game. I am always ready and conditioned to fight as many rounds as needed to win the fight, but if it ends early with a victory for me I cannot complain too much.
BV: What do you want to achieve in boxing?
OH: I want to become a world champion. That’s the ultimate goal. Once I’ve reached that goal I want to defend my title with dignity and honor.
BV: Your currently fighting as a light middleweight, do you think this is the weight-class you will focus on over the coming years?
I believe the light middleweight is the place for me. I feel strong and it is not a massive chore for me to make the weight.
BV: Which current fighter do you most admire?
OH: I admire any man that has the heart and courage to get in the ring and fight when those lights are on you. It takes a special kind of person to do this thing that we do. Win lose or draw if you fight; you have my admiration. But specifically there are a few fighters that I admire. Juan Diaz because he has inspired me to become, and proven that it is possible to be a student and professional boxer at the same time. Paquiao, Cotto, Mayweather, Pavlik… All of the great boxers of our era.
BV: Who would you say has had the most influence on your career so far?
OH: My mother, my late uncle Joe; R.I.P., and my manager Jay Johns.
BV: Your known as a intelligent man outside of the ring and are currently studing at college, what are you studying and how difficult is it to juggle the two?
OH: I am studying business and political science. It is difficult but also satisfying. I am reaching the goals that I set for myself in both areas and it feels great.
BV: boxingview.com is UK based. Who’s your pick of Britains current elite fighters Amir Khan, David Haye and Carl Froch, and whats your view of them?
OH: I like all of them. Amir is the youngest of the bunch with exceptional talent. Haye livens the sport with his talk, and he backs it up with his fist, and Froch is the definition of hard work and determination; he grinds out his wins.
BV: The current Super 6 tournament has captured the imagination of boxing fans. If the opportunity came for a light middleweight version would you fancy it?
OH: I am not sure at this stage of my career that I would be chosen for a tournament in my weight class. They have guys like Martinez, Angulo, P. Williams, Spinks, Vanes, Cintron and that’s just to name a few. Someone needs to start a tournament at this weight. That would be must see T.V.! I have just completed my first year as a pro and I still have a lot to learn and absorb.
BV: What’s your view on the current Pacquiao-Mayweather drugs testing row?
OH: I really don’t have a view. Hopefully down the line they can sort it out because it’s a great matchup that the fans are hungry to see. I know I would like to see it. Speaking of the Super Six… The welters would have a great tourney also!
Many Thanks to Omar Henry and Jay Johns for this interview.
To hear more from Omar Henry why not follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OmarHenry1.
Out of the ring Omar is a level-headed guy who is studying business and political science. It was a real pleasure for boxingview.com to put some questions to him about his career and boxing in general.
Read the exclusive interview below.
BV: You have a growing reputation as a KO specialist, what do you put your explosive power down to?
OH: I think that like most K.O. punchers, part of the power is just a god given gift. The other part of it is me working with my team on balance, technique, accuracy and leverage with my punches.
BV: In 7 pro fights you’ve only boxed 10 rounds, are you looking to get more pro rounds under your belt in 2010 and show people you can box too?
OH: I believe that I am a skilled boxer and I am working hard and learning my craft in the gym on a daily basis. I spar with top notch guys; I have one of the best trainers in the game in Ronnie Shields, teaching me the ins and outs of the pro game. I am always ready and conditioned to fight as many rounds as needed to win the fight, but if it ends early with a victory for me I cannot complain too much.
BV: What do you want to achieve in boxing?
OH: I want to become a world champion. That’s the ultimate goal. Once I’ve reached that goal I want to defend my title with dignity and honor.
BV: Your currently fighting as a light middleweight, do you think this is the weight-class you will focus on over the coming years?
I believe the light middleweight is the place for me. I feel strong and it is not a massive chore for me to make the weight.
BV: Which current fighter do you most admire?
OH: I admire any man that has the heart and courage to get in the ring and fight when those lights are on you. It takes a special kind of person to do this thing that we do. Win lose or draw if you fight; you have my admiration. But specifically there are a few fighters that I admire. Juan Diaz because he has inspired me to become, and proven that it is possible to be a student and professional boxer at the same time. Paquiao, Cotto, Mayweather, Pavlik… All of the great boxers of our era.
BV: Who would you say has had the most influence on your career so far?
OH: My mother, my late uncle Joe; R.I.P., and my manager Jay Johns.
BV: Your known as a intelligent man outside of the ring and are currently studing at college, what are you studying and how difficult is it to juggle the two?
OH: I am studying business and political science. It is difficult but also satisfying. I am reaching the goals that I set for myself in both areas and it feels great.
BV: boxingview.com is UK based. Who’s your pick of Britains current elite fighters Amir Khan, David Haye and Carl Froch, and whats your view of them?
OH: I like all of them. Amir is the youngest of the bunch with exceptional talent. Haye livens the sport with his talk, and he backs it up with his fist, and Froch is the definition of hard work and determination; he grinds out his wins.
BV: The current Super 6 tournament has captured the imagination of boxing fans. If the opportunity came for a light middleweight version would you fancy it?
OH: I am not sure at this stage of my career that I would be chosen for a tournament in my weight class. They have guys like Martinez, Angulo, P. Williams, Spinks, Vanes, Cintron and that’s just to name a few. Someone needs to start a tournament at this weight. That would be must see T.V.! I have just completed my first year as a pro and I still have a lot to learn and absorb.
BV: What’s your view on the current Pacquiao-Mayweather drugs testing row?
OH: I really don’t have a view. Hopefully down the line they can sort it out because it’s a great matchup that the fans are hungry to see. I know I would like to see it. Speaking of the Super Six… The welters would have a great tourney also!
Many Thanks to Omar Henry and Jay Johns for this interview.
To hear more from Omar Henry why not follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OmarHenry1.