Boxer Omar Henry Dies After Struggle with Gall Bladder Cancer

Boxer Omar Henry died Friday following a struggle with gall bladder cancer, Yahoo reports. He was 25.

In recent weeks, Henry had posted emotional messages on his Facebook page asking for prayers and support. In a post marked Jan. 9, he said he hoped to live to celebrate his 26th birthday on Feb 8.

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In a post written on Jan. 27, Henry remained optimistic about his struggle. "While I'm in this current state I am fighting with my family by my side and I will not go down for the count. I am a champion who has chosen to fight not just for myself but for those whose faith is believing in what you can't see, and I will continue to fight!"

Henry held a 12-0-1 record as a light middleweight. He was due to fight on Showtime on Nov. 16. However, when he started to feel ill days before the fight, he went to his doctor and was diagnosed with Stage 4 gall bladder cancer. He had been hospitalized for close to three months at the University of Chicago.

A Chicago native, Henry made his professional debut in July 2008 — a match he won within the first two minutes of the first round. He went on to win his next nine out of 11 bouts by 1st round knockout.