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<\/a>By Daniel Sisneros<\/strong><\/p>\nNew Mexico Welterweight Henry Anaya, JR. turned pro on Feb. 7, 1987 scoring a 1st round knockout over fellow New Mexican Roland “Thunder” Baker. Henry started with 7 straight victories before tasting his first professional defeat by decision at the hands of Joe Hernandez on the undercard of Thomas Hearns Vs Iran Barkley at the Las Vegas Hilton.<\/p>\n
Just 2 months later, Anaya, JR. avenged the decision loss with a blistering 2nd round stoppage of Hernandez.<\/p>\n
He then went on another victory streak, this time going 9-0, with 6 by ko. He earned a shot at the vacant NABF Welterweight Title, taking his record of 16-1, 10 ko’s into the ring on August 20, 1990 against former World Champion “Lightning” Lonnie Smith (25-2-1, 12 ko).<\/p>\n
The former World Champ stopped Anaya, JR. at the end of the 10th round. Henry fought 3 more times with his final pro bout coming June 10, 1991 against amateur boxing legend, and former World Champion Mark Breland (28-2-1, 21 ko). Breland won a unanimous decision in the bout.<\/p>\n
What most boxing fans did not know is that Anaya, JR. suffered a terrible hand injury that pretty much made him a “1 handed” boxer for his final bouts.<\/p>\n
Henry Anaya, JR. finished his pro boxing career with a record of 17-4, 11 by knockout. He’s considered one of the finest boxers to ever come out of New Mexico. And is a legend in the state.<\/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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