vivian harris planning to return at 147

riza18y ago

Just 2 1/2 years ago, Vivian Harris was among the top 140-pounders on this planet. He was WBA champion, sharing the stage with fellow titleholders Arturo Gatti (WBC), Miguel Cotto (WBO) and Ricky Hatton (IBF). There were whispers of a possible unification bout with Cotto. On several occasions, Hatton was mentioned as a potential dance partner. Everything was looking up for Harris. Then, in a flash, it all came crashing down. His next opponent was Carlos Maussa, who possessed a good chin and decent power. It was supposed to be a tune-up for Harris, a chance to showcase his multiple ring skills. But he had other intentions. The fight was part of an HBO pay-per-view broadcast that featured Gatti defending his title against Floyd Mayweather Jr. Harris saw it as an opportunity to steal the spotlight. Rather than rely on his superior boxing skills to outclass Maussa and come away with an easy decision, the champion opted to go for broke -- and hopefully register a knockout in the first or second round. It would be the worst decision of Harris' career. He not only failed to get the knockout, but after expending much of his energy early was stopped in seven. Forced to start over, Harris would earn a shot at the WBC version of the title Sept. 7, 2007, only to suffer a similar fate -- champion Junior Witter would stop him in seven. Such setbacks devastate most fighters, but Harris has refused to close the book on his career. In fact, the South Orange resident has started a new chapter, and in it a title beckons. The title, however, that Harris covets isn't at 140 pounds; it's at 147. The extra pounds have done wonders for Harris physically and mentally. At Hall of Fame Boxing Center in West Paterson, where he trains, Harris' punches have a lot more snap and his stamina is a non-issue. "I have a lot more energy in me at 147 pounds," said Harris, who is 28-3-1 with 18 KOs. "I don't have to struggle to make 140 anymore. I can conserve energy and strength. And I have a great trainer, a great teacher." 147 JUST GOT BETTER. i think harris could do big things at 147.

Comments (13)

dino

Vivian Harris would be a good test for somebody like Julio Chavez Jr or Berto

18y ago

Scott9945

In the days of day of the fight weigh-ins, Harris would be a middleweight right now. He killed himself to make 140, which I feel contributed to his lack of a sturdy chin. It also is the reason that he's primarily a three round fighter. 147 is the weight he's supposed to be at, well he should've been there a few years ago. If nothing else, he'll be better at 147. Whether he can discipline himself and humble himself to make the necessary adjustments to be successful is another situation. I believe he's training with Tommy Brooks now at North Jersey's Hackensack PAL. I agree that Harris probably waited too long to make this move. He should at least still be a tough test for upcoming welterweights.

18y ago

warp1432

Harris has the wingspan of an NBA player, he's massive. I recall doing a story in 2006 about the top 10 P4P fighters in NY. His publicist took offense to me saying that "no one on this list is a household name." Her argument was that Vivian Harris is a household name. I felt that kind of deluded advice was highly detrimental to a fighter who wasn't anyone's mandatory or held a world title. What Harris needs to do, IMO, is regain that "Blue Horizon" hunger and start from scratch. If he gets that mentality back, he can win a world title. Except this is the 147 division. No way does he win a title at 147.

18y ago

Mr_Ryan

He is Kind of Tall.. so I can see making weight being an issue.. maybe 147 will make him stronger.. he has the goods.. but he also might be a bit weak mentally.. In the mold of Zab Judah.. Harris has the wingspan of an NBA player, he's massive. I recall doing a story in 2006 about the top 10 P4P fighters in NY. His publicist took offense to me saying that "no one on this list is a household name." Her argument was that Vivian Harris is a household name. I felt that kind of deluded advice was highly detrimental to a fighter who wasn't anyone's mandatory or held a world title. What Harris needs to do, IMO, is regain that "Blue Horizon" hunger and start from scratch. If he gets that mentality back, he can win a world title.

18y ago

RichCCFC

bad career move. he couldn't hack it in the jr ww division and now he wants to get into the best division in boxing..... bad decision. he should jump one more division to 154 where he has a much better chance of being something. he could make top 5 in that division but I doubt he would ever make top 15 in ww. You have been known to talk out of your ass a little though, mate.

18y ago

Swizzy

18y ago

RichCCFC

Can't wait, another potential title challenger. I really think he will give anyone a good fight there. Cotto had a shaky chin at 140 but the step up did wonders for him, I think the same will apply to Harris (Or I hope it does).

18y ago

Welter_Skelter

In the days of day of the fight weigh-ins, Harris would be a middleweight right now. He killed himself to make 140, which I feel contributed to his lack of a sturdy chin. It also is the reason that he's primarily a three round fighter. 147 is the weight he's supposed to be at, well he should've been there a few years ago. If nothing else, he'll be better at 147. Whether he can discipline himself and humble himself to make the necessary adjustments to be successful is another situation. I believe he's training with Tommy Brooks now at North Jersey's Hackensack PAL. He is Kind of Tall.. so I can see making weight being an issue.. maybe 147 will make him stronger.. he has the goods.. but he also might be a bit weak mentally.. In the mold of Zab Judah..

18y ago

Mr_Ryan

His Chin seems rather shakey at 140... is 147 a good idea??? In the days of day of the fight weigh-ins, Harris would be a middleweight right now. He killed himself to make 140, which I feel contributed to his lack of a sturdy chin. It also is the reason that he's primarily a three round fighter. 147 is the weight he's supposed to be at, well he should've been there a few years ago. If nothing else, he'll be better at 147. Whether he can discipline himself and humble himself to make the necessary adjustments to be successful is another situation. I believe he's training with Tommy Brooks now at North Jersey's Hackensack PAL.

18y ago

Welter_Skelter

His Chin seems rather shakey at 140... is 147 a good idea???

18y ago

SkillspayBills

Should get pounced out by any of the second tier WW's. He is a good addition though.

18y ago

MELLYMEL

he is old news! not as good as many thought!

18y ago

GTL

i dont.. hes ok. nothing really special.. top 15 in the WW division