Harris will receive biggest payday
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
September 15, 2002
Vivian Harris will receive his biggest pay day when he challenges Cuban Diosbelys Hurtardo next month for the WBA and IBA junior welterweight titles.
Harris confirmed yesterday that he will take home his largest purse but would stopped short of naming a figure. "Yes. It will be the most money that I would take home. This is just the beginning of things to come," he said.
Stabroek Sport was reliably informed that Harris will collect more than US$125,000 for the bout which puts him along side, Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis, Terrence Alli and Rawle Frank as the Guyanese known to have crossed the US$100,000 mark in a single bout.
The fight will be held in Houston, Texas and will televised live by Showtime Network. Harris said that his preparation is coming along smoothly and reiterated that he would be fully ready for the big night.
"My preparation is really coming along good. I was so sharp that I had to take today (yesterday) off," he said. "I expect it will be a tough fight. I love tough fights. It brings out the best in Vivian Harris," the 24-year-old challenger said.
He scoffed at suggestions that Hurtardo, who twice decked former champion Pernell `Sweet Pea' Whitaker and undisputed junior welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu in losing attempts, is a superior fighter based on the quality of opponents.
"The persons he fought don't create any impression on me. He knocked down Whitaker so what? Whitaker was a washed up fighter then. I really don't mind being the underdog. The whole world could be against me but come October 19 it will only be me and him in side that ring. I have grown accustomed to going into people's home town and taking them out," Harris declared.
The lanky fighter was ambivalent when asked what type of fight he envisages his first title crack would be.
"To be honest I really can't say what kind of fight it will be. I am prepared for tough competition and I expect that, but I can't say if it would be a slug fest or a boxing match. Only God knows that. What I know is that there will be a new champion when the fight is over."
Harris said that unlike many fighters going up for their first world title, he feels no pressure. "There is really no pressure on me. I know that this is Guyana's era now. Our time for failing when we got to the big table is over."
"I have faith in God you know. I know that I an just off something really big. Just give me some time and have faith in me that's all that I ask of Guyana."