The light-middleweight excited his way to 12-0, with nine stoppages until his final contest in June 2012, and with his thirteenth contest in the pipeline, was given the terrible news he was suffering with stage four of the disease.
Henry had kept in touch with his fans throughout his battle, constantly updating through his Facebook page and Twitter account and leaves devastated members of Team Henry shaking their heads in disbelief that someone so young and fit could be taken so quickly.
The Chicago-born fighter posted up what turned out to be his final message to fans on January 28 and was under no illusions of the seriousness of the sickness that he faced. Henry stayed strong right to the end though and will be sorely missed by the whole boxing community.
“To all my friends and loyal fans I want to inform you all that I am fighting the fight of my life against a disease known as gallbladder cancer. While lm in this current state I am fighting with my family by my side and I will not go down for the count.
“I am a champion who has chosen to fight not just for myself but for those whose faith is believing in what you can’t see and I will continue to fight and fight and fight! until I knock this sickness out.
“Your love and support mean the most to me, your prayers are prayers not only to me but to others like me. Please be advised l am grateful for any and all support in any kind of way please inbox me.
“My family has continued to be by my side, and it’s hard for them as well. I want to thank God for unconditional love and unconditional fans. Thanks again – (the late) Omar Henry (January 28 2013.)
Any donations or support can be sent direct to OmarDHenry87@gmail.com
