CLEVELAND Denny won his second professional fight on February 9, 1976. The Canada-based Guyanese lightweight was 21 years old at the time when he won a points decision over Ron Pettigrew in Quebec City, Quebec.A dedicated and skilful boxer, Denny was a former Canadian lightweight champion who had a promising future. However, the Guyanese was cut down in the prime of his career, and died at the age of 24 in July 1980 from injuries sustained in a fight the previous month.
He had turned professional in 1976 and was undefeated in 10 fights when he met Gaetan Hart for the second time. Denny won the first that was held in September 1977 via a points decision.
Hart won by split decision to take revenge and Denny’s Canadian lightweight title in the second episode. The two met for a third and final time on June 20, 1980.
Referee Rosario Baillargeon halted the bout at two minutes and 48 seconds of the 10th round to secure a TKO victory for the Canadian Hart.