Henry Buchanan has already received a pinch of fame as Shawne Merriman’s (San Diego Charges Pro-Bowl linebacker) uncle. Buchanan, however, doesn’t want to be known strictly for his family ties. He wants to one day be remembered as a world champion boxer.

“I want to compete for titles,” said Buchanan. “Sycuan Ringside Promotions has established that precedence. Most of their fighters are world champions and that is what I want to do, become a world champion.”

The once-beaten, super middleweight prospect is working toward getting that rare and special title shot. A hard-hitting, dedicated boxer-puncher, Buchanan (16-1, 11 KOs) started his professional career by rallying off fourteen straight victories, eleven of those coming by way of knockout.

“I like to mix it up when I get in the ring,” said Buchanan. “I’m not shy about throwing punches and doing some damage.”

One of Buchanan’s toughest challenges came against the highly touted and undefeated Lucas Green Arias on July 28, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Buchanan would win a hard fought ten-round unanimous decision.

“The Arias fight was a tough one, but one that I knew I could win,” Buchanan said. “I never gave up and I never stopped throwing punches. That is why I won.” Buchanan, hoping to build additional momentum after his win against Arias, looked to give top prospect Jean Paul Mendy his first professional loss.

On Oct. 6, 2006, Buchanan would suffer his first professional defeat at the hands of Mendy. Mendy would win a ten-round unanimous decision.

“Mendy is a smooth and talented fighter,” said Buchanan. “Sometimes you learn more in defeat than you do in victory. I learned a lot from that fight. I am convinced I am a better fighter because of what happened.” Buchanan put the Mendy loss behind him and focused on his next opponent, the veteran and tough Ted Muller.

On Oct. 20, 2007, Buchanan would fight Muller at the plush Sycuan Resort & Casino in El Cajon, Calif.

Buchanan wanted to look impressive and he certainly did by running away with an eight round unanimous decision victory. All three judges scored the bout 79-71 in Buchanan’s favor. “I needed to come out and dominate the fight from the beginning,” Buchanan said. “I didn’t just want to win the fight. I wanted to look good and give the fans a great show and I did that.”

Buchanan’s most recent victory came on the undercard of the Vazquez-Marquez III bout on March 1, 2008 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Buchanan out-boxed and out-worked Ross Thompson en route to an eight round unanimous decision victory. All three judges scored the fight 77-75 for Buchanan.

“This is only the beginning for me,” said Buchanan. “I am working toward that world title shot. That’s all I want right now.”

If Buchanan keeps up the winning pace, he’ll get that chance sooner rather than later.