By Jake Donovan
Friends and family will be in Chicago on Friday morning to pay their final respects to Omar Henry, who sadly passed away one week ago. The funeral service lands on what would have been his 26th birthday, perhaps fitting that it is staged in his city of birth.
For those who are unable to attend the services but still wish to pay their final respects from afar, the viewing and service will be made available via live stream at the following web address: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/omarhenry82
The service is being held at Apolistic Church of Chicago, 6320 South Dorchester Ave., Chicago, IL 60637. The viewing will take place from 10am-11am, immediately followed by full service until 2:30pm.
Henry (12-0-1, 9KO) turned pro in 2008 and led an adventurous career, though mostly outside the ropes as he enjoyed his instant celebrity status. The 154 lb. prospect earned a reputation as a quality sparring partner to best emulate the movements of Miguel Cotto, including time spent in camp helping Floyd Mayweather Jr. prepare for and defeat the Puerto Rican superstar last year.
A breakthrough opportunity was on the horizon for Henry when he was offered the headlining slot on a Nov. 2012 edition of Showtime's Shobox series. Henry was three days away from fight night when an afternoon jog was cut short due to sharp pains. From there came the discovery of gall stones, at which point he underwent emergency surgery at Broward Medical Health Center in South Florida.
Henry was released after a few days, but was admitted to University of Chicago hospital in early December. He remained in the facility for nearly two months, where he was eventually diagnosed with Stage Four gall bladder cancer. He was transferred from UIC Hospital to hopsice care in late January, where he spent his last days before passing away on February 1 at just 25 years of age.
Henry last fought in June 2012, winning a 10-round shutout over Tyrone Selders. The bout aired live on Pursuit TV as part of a tribute card honoring promoter Don King.
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