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<\/a>By Daniel Sisneros<\/strong><\/p>\nDetroit Michigan’s Anthony “Hollywood” Hembrick was an outstanding amateur and a member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team. After a mysterious “mix-up” at the Olympic Games when he and his coaches were misinformed about his bout time, and did not make it to the venue in time to compete, Hembrick turned professional.<\/p>\n
April 22, 1989 saw him in his Pro Debut and he opened with a 2nd round tko of Ron West at the Palace in Auburn Hills, MI. He continued to win impressively against medium opposition, and on Feb. 2, 1990 he took a step up in class putting his 10-0 record at risk against Donald “The Ultimate” Stephens (7-2-2). Hembrick won handily on scores of 59-55 across the board and was now considered a solid contender for a title.<\/p>\n
The competition remained stiff as he defeated Keith “Sir Jab-A-Lot” McMurray, Martin Amarillas, and Lenzie Morgan in succession moving his record to 14-0, 8 ko’s and earning him a shot at the vacant USBA Light Heavyweight Title against Booker T. World (16-1-1, 11 ko’s) in a bout that was televised on USA network. It was a shocking wake up call for Hembrick as he was stopped in the first round by the powerful opponent.<\/p>\n
No problem, Hembrick bounced back well running off a 9-0-1, 7 ko streak with some nice wins including former world champion Leslie Stewart, a rematch with Keith McMurray, Rusty Rosenberger, and Mike Sedillo.<\/p>\n
This propelled him into a world title challenge against fellow Detroit based fighter, and Kronk Gym member – Leonzer Barber (14-1, 10 ko) for his WBO Light Heavyweight title. It was an excellent matchup and when the smoke cleared, it came down to a split decision victory on scores of 115-113 (Barber), 115-113 (Hembrick) and 114-113 for the winner Leonzer Barber.<\/p>\n
Two months later, Hembrick moved up in weight and challenged Orlin Norris (31-3, 15 ko) for his NABF Cruiserweight Championship. Norris was just too big, too strong, and skilled enough to knock Hembrick down 3 times in round 8 for the stoppage.<\/p>\n
Again, Hembrick bounced back with a nice streak going 4-0, all 4 by ko including a 4th round tko over Earl “Sweetness” Butler, moving up in the world rankings gaining him a 2nd world title opportunity, but this time he would have to travel to Dusseldorf, Germany and face IBF Champion Henry Maske (20-0, 9 ko). The Champion was “on” that night, and handed Hembrick a lopsided unanimous decision loss.<\/p>\n
Anthony stepped out of the frying pan and into the fire as he faced James “Lights Out” Toney in his next fight, and was stopped in round 7 of that one. Hembrick was considered worthy of another shot at the USBA Light Heavyweight Title belt, and he made the most of it, stopping Rudy Nix (16-1-1, 15 ko’s) in round 6 to win the vacant championship and finally feel a title belt around his waist.<\/p>\n
Hembrick put his title on the line in a rematch with James Toney, this time Hembrick would be the Champion, and Toney would be a challenger, but it made no difference The legendary Toney handled Hembrick and stopped him in round 6 to take the USBA Light Heavyweight Title.<\/p>\n
Anthony Hembrick would fight just 4 more times, including a rematch win against Mike Sedillo by majority decision, and a tough draw against unbeaten Terry McGroom (13-0-1, 8 ko’s). He would step through the ropes one final time being ko’d in the rematch by Richard Frazier (11-2-1, 3 ko).<\/p>\n
His career ran only 7 years, but this U.S. Olympian had a colorful and memorable campaign facing world class opposition, winning the USBA Title, and being considered a top contender of his time. He finished his pro career with an outstanding record of 31 wins, 8 losses, 2 draws, and winning 22 by knockout!<\/p>\n
Purchase Dan’s Hit Boxing Book Mat Tales: True Stories From The Bizarre, Brutal World Of Pro Boxing by Clicking the Image to ORDER it Now.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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