Vivian Harris stumbles on the redemption trail

Dec 02, 2014 Sports

Knocked out in 7th round

In October 2002, Vivian Harris fulfilled a life-long dream when he defeated Diosbelys Hurtado to

Harris (right) and Alvarez pose with the prized accolade during a pre-fight press conference.

lift the WBA World light/welterweight title. Since then he has endured fluctuating fortunes but toiled on, confident of replicating the feat. Now the former champion is once again at the cross roads following a 7th round stoppage against Mexican, Ramon Alvarez, when the two faced off for the vacant IBF North American light/middleweight title in Guanajuato, Mexico last Saturday evening.
Reports out of the Spanish speaking country are that Harris was floored twice in the 7th round, forcing referee, Ray Corona, to call a halt to the proceedings at just 44secs of the round.
Following the verdict, Harris’ handlers protested mildly but the general consensus seems to suggest that the referee had done the right thing.
The report emanating from BoxingScene.com suggested that Harris was holding his own for the first 6 rounds but despite his efforts, Alvarez, the younger brother of another world class pugilist, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, was never in danger of losing the fight. The report did say that Harris’ early tactics threw Alvarez out of his comfort zone in the early rounds.
The report also stated that Alvarez brawling style would have been tailor-made to be picked apart by a talented boxer, a bill that fitted Harris during his heydays.
Even as he managed a three-fight win streak, many have for years called for the 36-year old Harris to call it a career. At one point, the former 140 lb. titlist managed just one win over a span of 10 fights, a stretch that included six knockout losses.
“Fatigue eventually set in, long a hindrance in Harris’ career and a factor that has always affected his ability to take a punch. Alvarez was wise to not waste energy early on, eventually seizing control of the fight and slowly picking apart the faded former titlist,” the report concluded. Harris has refrained from disclosing plans for the future but his record dips to 32-10-2 (19KOs). BoxingScene.com