World Boxing Association and International Boxing Association junior welterweight champion `Vicious' Vivian Harris is unperturbed about not being named Guyana's 2002 Sports Man of the Year and pledges to remain putting his country first.
In an interview with Stabroek Sport, the usually outspoken Harris claimed that politics played a major part in him being awarded just the runner-up spot.
"I never got into boxing to do politics. It's a dirty game and I'm not dirty. If my government don't respect me then that's it. The people of the world and those in Guyana respect me," Harris told Stabroek Sport recently. "I have no bone of contention with Wayne Braithwaite but I think I did more to win the award. That's all behind me now. Vivian Harris has to take care of himself and no award can make me or break me," the world champion declared.
Wayne `Big Truck' Braithwaite was surprisingly named the Sports Man of the Year when a panel of judges met last month. Harris was named the runner up. Many boxing buffs argued that the two fighters should have been named joint winners.
Others stated that Harris had done enough to be declared winner since he fought three times last year against Braithwaite's one and won two world titles.
Still others contended that Harris was denied the award, which is organised by the National Sports Commission, because he had slammed the government for shabby treatment he received on his return home in November.
"I really don't have time for the political stuff. For those who think that I didn't deserve it I say peace to you and for those who do I say peace to you too. You can't be narrow-minded but need to look at the bigger picture. Should I let some small stuff get to me? The answer is a big no. There are bigger awards coming for me and when I get them they will be for me and the people of Guyana. That's how much I love my country."
Harris, who will turn 25 on June 17, will make the first defence of his titles on April 4th in either Minnesota or Miami when he fights WBA number one contender Souleyman Mbaye. He said that a purse bid is scheduled for Friday.
"I have much more serious stuff to think about. I want to be one of the best ever in this business. I train hard and I'm focused. I'm going to the top and I will not be distracted," the gangly fighter said. The popularity of the Guyanese is soaring in the United States.
Late last year he recorded a video with rap artiste Naz and is slated to do two more soon. Naz and me are real cool and after I won my titles he asked me to shoot the video with him. Soon I'm supposed to do one with Jadda Kiss," he said.
Harris won the WBA and IBA titles after outing the lights of champion Diobelys Hurtardo in October.