Echols turned professional in 1993. In 1999, he challenged
IBF middleweight title holder
Bernard Hopkins but lost via decision. The following year he lost a rematch with Hopkins, this time losing via
technical knock-out in the 10th round. In 2001, he fought
Charles Brewer. Echols went down three times in round two, but recovered in round three to score a technical knock-out win to capture the vacant NABA super middleweight title. In 2003, Echols had another opportunity for a title shot after the WBA Super Middleweight Title was vacated when
Sven Ottke was upgraded to 'Super' champion status. He battled
Anthony Mundine for the vacant title, but lost a close decision. In 2005, Echols lost an IBF Middleweight Eliminator to
Kingsley Ikeke when he was stopped in the 10th round. Echols's record from 2005 to his retirement was 1–16–3, as his run as a championship caliber fighter had long ended. In October 2015, Echols was defeated by Derrick Findley in three rounds. It was the seventh consecutive bout in which he lost in the third round. His lasted recorded interview is in the
Amazon podcast Everipedia Boxing Show with Matthew E. O'Neil. Echols lost his last ten professional boxing matches, including losses to Mike Jimenez and to Lamar Russ. ==Personal life==