Henry wants English title - at 43-years-old
Cliff Henry - a champ at 43. Picture: MSN Images/BCB Promotions
IN this unforgiving business where youth is brutally served, there are seasoned pros, veterans and then there is Cliff Henry, a truly remarkable 43-year-old champ.
Henry, who juggles an army career with pro boxing, is an awesome physical specimen. At an age when many are already sporting middle-age spread, the light-heavy looks like he’s been carved from black marble.
As manager PJ Rowson said of the muscled athlete who has won all five contests: “I just wish I’d signed him when he was 20!”
Suited and booted patrons of Scott Murray’s plush Excelsior Club, Cannock, get the chance to see this ring marvel on its Thursday, September 26, show. Henry, who trains at Birmingham’s Eastside gym, will box a four rounder.
Henry, from Hereford, has torn up the fight game’s tried and tested script. He didn’t turn pro until he was 40 and in April capped a real Cinderella story by outpointing Michael Stephenson for the Midlands title.
The Boxing Board of Control has called for a return, with the belt on the line.
Henry’s age and military commitments present near unique problems for PJ. You can’t get away from the fact a 43-year-old cannot be classed as a prospect.
“He is still learning the professional game. I like my fighters to have 10 pro fights – by then they have the experience and know what the game is about – before letting the reins go,” the manager said. “I just don’t have that time with Cliff. Time is not on our side. If an opportunity arises for Cliff, we will take a chance on it.
“It’s a dilemma. It is a tightrope of keeping him happy and active in something he loves doing and keep that progress going.”
Henry is a tough, determined individual who refuses to let age become a barrier.
“To him, age is just a number,” PJ said. “He has that spirit, he must go on and see what he can achieve.”
What he has achieved to date is pretty astounding – and he wants more. He wants the English title.
“His goal was to have a couple of pro fights to say he could box at that level,” PJ explained. “He is now 5-0. He has picked up the Midlands title at and that is beyond what I first thought he would do.
“I’m very, very proud of him. At the age of 40, I was concerned the Board of Control would not give him a licence. He sailed a trials bout and the feedback I received was, ‘he has the body of a 28-year-old’.”
What next for Henry?
“After the Excelsior, we want a fight of some substance,” PJ added. “Cliff wants to get to that next level and fight for an English title, that’s the ambition he has.”
Don’t bet against Henry making that dream a reality.