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Home » Ex-heavyweight champ Herbie Hide’s son Henry a chip off the old block

Ex-heavyweight champ Herbie Hide’s son Henry a chip off the old block

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  • 3 min read

There’s a new second generation fighter in town after former two-time world heavyweight champion Herbie Hide’s son Henry kicked off his amateur career with a double win over the same opponent.

Henry, 19, beat Jack Course back-to-back after his opponent asked for return following Hide’s amateur debut victory. The second fight took place at Dagenham ABC last month, with Hide stopping Course in the third round.

Standing taller than his 6ft 2ins father, Henry has all the attributes needed to be a pro boxer. Plus, has the boxing gene is his DNA to carry the Hide name into a new era.

His famous dad claimed the WBO heavyweight title twice in 1990’s. Herbie defeated Michael Bentt in 1994 before losing it to Riddick Bowe a year later.

Two years on, and Hide Sr. regained the title by stopping Tony Tucker in two rounds in his hometown of Norwich.

Vitali Klitschko finally ended Hide’s second reign in 1999 at London Arena.

Retiring in 2010 as a cruiserweight after a training spell with Floyd Mayweather Senior, Hide finished his career with a standout 49-4 record.

Knowing he has a lot to live up to, Henry is ready for the challenge.

“It will be good. It gives me more pressure and the pressure motivates me,” Henry told Chris Lakey of the Eastern Daily Press.

“Pressure can turn dirt to diamonds.

“Obviously I have got the name to follow and I have a lot to live up to, but I am prepared for that.”

Herbie even enlisted the help of Mayweather Sr. to give his son some motivation for his journey.

“Dad put me on the phone to Big Floyd last month and he asked me if I was going to be as good as my dad.

“I said yes, of course. Because I have all his knowledge and I can add my own things to create my own self.”


COACHING

Due to the dynamic of Floyd Sr. and his own son – the great Floyd Mayweather, Herbie will refrain from being too involved in coaching.

The 47 year-old will instead leave Henry in the hands of amateur coach Mick Wright, who was impressed with Henry’s recent win.

“Henry upped his game and got the stoppage. The lad had to take a couple of standing counts as well,” Wright told EDP.

“To be fair, it was a tough fight and he didn’t have it all his own way. His opponent landed a few but Henry dealt with them well.

“Henry is a calm kid, he doesn’t get flustered and he took it all in his stride.

“I’m pleased with what he is doing – he’s a good listener,” he added.