Latest update December 23rd, 2024 3:40 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Vivian Harris set to redeem boxing career against formidable world rater

Sep 10, 2010 Sports

After a relatively long layoff, former World Boxing Association (WBA) junior/welterweight champion, Vivian Harris is scheduled to return to the ring for a career defining bout against world rater, Victor ‘Vicious’ Ortiz on Saturday September 18 next on a Oscar De LaHoya led Golden Boys Promotions card at the Staples Center, Los Angeles.
The fight will be among several others on the under card of the Shane Mosley/Sergio Mora bout and has been labeled as a must win situation for Harris whose career has taken a nosedive in recent times.
Ortiz, who fights under the sobriquet, ‘Vicious’ has an impressive 27-2 record with 21 knockouts while Harris record reads 29-4, with 19 knockouts.  The two fighters appeared in a pre-fight press conference earlier in the week and exchanged barbs which seem to have set the pace for the fight.
Ortiz is currently ranked first by the WBA, WBO, and the IBF at Junior Welterweight while Harris sole ranking is a number 15 spot in the World Boxing Association (WBA). Ortiz also has the distinction of halting Antonio Diaz in seven rounds. In his last fight on May 15, he scored a lopsided ten rounds shut-out over the game and experienced champion Nate Campbell.
Harris rose to international fame with a victory over Diosbelys Hurtado in October 1992 which netted him the (WBA) junior/welterweight crown. He was all set for a historic defense against former British world champion, Ricky Hatton but the fight was aborted after negotiations between the two camps fell through.
Harris then went on to fight the little known Mausa and suffered a shock knockout defeat at the hands of the Columbian. His career took a downward spiral and Harris decided on a sabbatical.
Harris is now back with renewed vigor and seems to have won the confidence of De LaHoya who labeled the bout as a redeeming factor for the former champ.
“It is truly my pleasure to introduce to you a fighter who I’ve seen fight many times. His last fight, obviously, was one of those fights where justice wasn’t due. He was, obviously up against an undefeated fighter in Mexico. Unfortunately it did end prematurely, but like we said ‘Vicious’ Vivian Harris is a fighter who is always game to fight.
He’s a fighter who wants to prove to everyone that he still has what it takes to become world champion. He’s in one of those weight classes where a win Saturday night, September 18 against Victor will obviously catapult him back in the picture,” De LaHoya was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile Kaieteur Sport caught up with former local bantamweight champion, Darius Forde who was observing Harris at work for the bout at the Jackie Gleasons Gym, Brooklyn. The charismatic bantamweight feels that Harris deserves the opportunity to redeem himself after some bad experiences in the ring.
Forde pointed out that both fighters are under the tutelage of De LaHoya and the one that loses would be cast in the wilderness. “This is an all important bout for Vivian (Harris) and he cannot afford to lose,” said Forde. He also affirmed that the entire Diaspora is rooting for Harris.
The fight will be aired on Pay Per View television.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Renuka, Mandhana consign West Indies to record loss

Renuka, Mandhana consign West Indies to record loss

Dec 23, 2024

(Cricinfo) – After a T20I series that went to the decider, the first of three ODIs between India and West Indies was a thoroughly one-sided fare. The hosts dominated from start to finish...
Read More
GBA confirms additional bouts

GBA confirms additional bouts

Dec 23, 2024

Opinion: Barbados Cricket Faces Crossroads

Opinion: Barbados Cricket Faces Crossroads

Dec 23, 2024

KMTC Boxing Day Horse race meet turning out to be signature year-end event

KMTC Boxing Day Horse race meet turning out to be...

Dec 23, 2024

Candy Boss Invitational 8-A-Side Football Tournament kicks off Boxing Night

Candy Boss Invitational 8-A-Side Football...

Dec 23, 2024

Chase Academy squares off with St Benedict’s College ahead of today’s final

Chase Academy squares off with St Benedict’s...

Dec 22, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]