Career
Echols turned professional in 1993 and in 1999 challenged IBF middleweight title holder Bernard Hopkins. Although Echols gave Hopkins a tough fight, he lost via decision. The following year he lost a rematch with Hopkins, this time losing via TKO in the 10th.
In 2001 he fought a crowd pleasing bout with Charles Brewer.
He battled Anthony Mundine for the vacant title, but lost a close decision. In 2005 he lost an IBF Middleweight Eliminator to Kingsley Ikeke when he was TKO"d in the 10th.
In his most recent bout in April 2008, Echols was dominated by rising prospect Peter Quillin. This brought Echols" record to 0-3-3 in his last six fights, likely signaling the end of his run as a ranked fighter.He has now went 0-7-3 in his last ten fights.
On July 30, 2007 in Davenport, Iowa, Echols was shot in the leg while trying to break up a fight.
