Interview: Vivian Harris

Ike Enwereuzor

16.02 - Vivian Harris was born in Guyana on June 17, 1978 he began at the age of 12 boxing moved to Brooklyn, NY at 16. Vivian compiled an amateur record of 45-5 as amateur. He captured the New York Metro in 1995 and the Golden Gloves in 1997, he has big future plans as a professional.

He made his professional debut on November 4, 1997 by knocking out Levi Long just one minute into the first round. In his last fight, on September 22, last year Harris scored a split-decision over Jose Juarez.

Harris now (19-1-1) 15KO's next fight is schedule for Febuary 22, 2002 at Columbus, OH when he takes on Michael Clark.

How is training going for your upcoming fight with Michael Clark?
My camp is going well, I had 3 different sparring partners and I have been training 2 months for this fight. The fight will be on ESPN2 and we're fighting for the IBA Continential junior welterweight. I'm ready for him.

Your impression of Michael Clark?
Good fighter, has two powerful hands and moves around the ring. He can fight and box too.

Your thoughts on the Ben Tackie-Teddy Reid bout?
I wanted to fight Tackie but they went and fight Teddy Reid so I'm sitting here waiting for my turn. I think me and Tackie should fight before he fight Kostya Tsuzyu. Tackie didn't prove anything with Teddy. Reid can't fight, he's actually a 147 pounds but he don't want to move up. He always trying to
make weight so this makes him to be weak. Tackie was fighting a weak man. I think I'm a perfect fighter for Ben Tackie that's why they don't want to fight me. Reid was talking to my people
that he wants to fight me but never sign the papers. I'm comfortable, I want to beat Michael Clark first and that's where my focus is right now then world title. Nothing can stop me from becoming a world champion. They keep hyping Francisco Bojado, I would love to fight him. He hasn't fought anybody but I hear them talking about him on TV the other night as top contenders and they never mentioned my name. I'll fight him anytime, I beat four top contenders and who has he beat. He needs to be tested, boxing is full of corruption and favoritsm.

What did you think of Tsyzu-Judah fight?
Zab Judah got karkie and I don't think Zab had a game plan, he just came in to knockout Kostya. You can't do that in Boxing, you got to have a plan. This is not how to prepare for a fight. If I get such opportunity I know how to use it.

How would you compare your fight with Ray Oliviera to Tackie-Oliviera?
Tackie was prepared for Ray but I wasn't prepared for Ray. I saw ray fights only 3 days to the fight. I didn't know he throws a lot of punches. I'm happy it came out the way it did he beat me but I still want a rematch with him.

Mosley-Forrest bout?
I think Mosley-Forrest was a good fight. Vernon was taller and did the right things, many thought Shane will win but they were wrong. I think one wanted it more than the other but both guys did what they had to do.

Any thoughts if Forrest meets your fellow Countryman Andrew "Six Head" Lewis?
It will be a little difficult for Vernon either way it will be a great fight. Lewis is a southpaw with good defense. He can fight and box too.

Tell our readers about your last fight with Jose Juarez?
He was a Mexician, the was a good fight for me. He was very strong and caught me with a good shot and drop me but I got up and win the fight, thank God for all. I'm happy I got knockdown because learning each day .

What did you learn from the last fight with Jose?
I learn to be patient and knockout will come at the right time. I learn to take my time it will happen if it's made to.

Any comment to your fans?
I want to thank all my fans for their supports, my fans from Guyana and my Brooklyn fans. My fans should checkout this fight on ESPN2 on Febuary 22, because Brooklyn is coming to Columbus, OH.

Bed Syuvestant Boxing center in Brooklyn, NY where you started are having a fund raisen Boxing Show in March. former world champ, Mark Breland and other former champs will be at hand. Do you plan to be there too?
Ike, I would love to come and help out, I started at that gym and I hope others can come out too.