Harris is the last of three Guyanese fighters who have won world titles and the last to make a defence of the crown. Both Andrew `Sixhead’ Lewis and Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite have made successful first defences of their titles.

The 5” 10’ Harris faces the shorter Souleyman M’Baye of France in one of the preliminary bouts at the New Orleans Casino.

At the weigh in yesterday afternoon the Guyanese recorded 139 pounds while his opponent came in one pound heavier.

Trainer Lennox Blackmoore reiterated that the fight would not go past round six.

“Vivian is in too much of a good shape and ready for this fight. I like it within six rounds,” Blackmoore told Stabroek Sport. Harris has only lost once in 24 fights and recorded 16 knockouts. M’Baye has not lost in 27 fight and has 13 victories by knockouts.

This evening’s contest will be Harris’ first since stopping Diosbelys Hurtado in round two last October to snatch the title.

The hard-hitting Harris claimed earlier that he was focused and warned that although he has power he is also the best counter-puncher in the division.

“I’m the best counter puncher in the junior welterweight division,” he said and added, “I knock people out with both hands.”

The Harris/M’Baye clash will not be shown live on television. However, the main bout between world welterweight champion Ricardo Mayorga and former champion Vernon Forrest, and the main supporting bout between World Boxing Organisation junior welterweight champion De Marcus Corley and Zab Judah will be televised live by Home Box Office (HBO).