HoopInsider_Cooper Posted June 2, 2007 Report Posted June 2, 2007 Local fighter to headline boxing event at L'aubergeBy Chad Cooper, Sports EditorProfessional boxer Chris Henry, the undefeated No. 6 ranked light heavyweight in the world, will be headlining the fight card at L’Auberge du Lac on June 2 when the NABF Light Heavyweight champion steps up in weight class to fight Raphael Pedro.“I’m very excited,†said Henry. “I just found out I’ll be fighting close to home in Lake Charles.â€It all started around the age of 15 when Henry was introduced to boxing. “I played football then started boxing at the Beaumont Police Activities League as an amateur,†he said. “I loved it so much I stopped playing football to concentrate on boxing.â€After spending nearly six years in the amateur ranks, Henry made his pro debut on Jan. 20, 2005 in Houston against Paul Foret. “I was more ready than nervous,†said Henry. “It was a little different fighting without a headgear and shirt on but it turned out okay.â€Okay was an understatement as Henry knocked Foret out in the first round then won his next five fights by knockout. The knockout has become a way of life for Henry. “I’ve always been strong so I’m not surprised at the power behind my punches,†he said. “It’s natural power. I’ve been knocking guys out since the amateur days and I’m getting stronger.â€Henry trains in Houston six days a week under the watchful eye of Bobby Benton. “He’s a throwback fighter,†said Benton. “He’s got the best work habits, trains hard and has a great future ahead of him. He’s got the potential to be one of the best.â€The 26-year-old Ozen graduate is fresh off a second round TKO of Max Hayman on May 3 in Dallas, which won him the NABF Light Heavyweight title, which improved his record to 19-0 with 16 knockouts.Henry will now step up to the next weight class in heavyweights and fight Pedro (20-5-1, 14 KOs), a born Cuban fighter making his home in Golden Meadows, La. Pedro, aka “The Cajun Connectionâ€, hasn’t fought since April 7, 2006 when he defeated Gary Butler by TKO. Pedro will have a big presence in the ring as the 32-year-old stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 230 pounds. Henry is 6-foot and will weigh in around 190 pounds, which is 18 pounds heavier than his last fight weight.Also on the undercard at the L’Auberge Event Center is Christy Martin (46-5-2, 31 TKO), one of the pioneers on female boxing. Martin will face undefeated Amy Yuratovic (5-0, 5 TKO).Also in action will be heavyweight fighter “Lethal†Johnnie White (14-0, 13 KO).First bout is at 7:30 p.m. and six matches are scheduled. Tickets are on sale now at the L’Auberge Business Center Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. They can also be purchased by visiting www.ldlcasino.com or by calling 866-355-7111. Tickets are priced at $75 for ringside and $50 for stadium seating.“Winning that title (NABF) is going to open a lot of doors for me,†said Henry. “I’m proud of myself and all the hard work is paying off. This is the first of many titles I’m going to wear around my waist and I’m going to bring home a world title to Southeast Texas soon.
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