In a recent interview with Fightnews, WBA junior welterweight champ 'Vicious' Vivian Harris and his promoter Kathy Duva stated that they were unable to secure a fight with a ranked contender in the United States. As a result of their plight, Duva explained that negotiations were underway for Harris to return to Germany for a rematch with Oktay Urkal, because the Turkish born German was the only fighter willing to face Harris, even after having lost a majority decision in their first bout last April.
"I changed my mind!" Harris told Fightnews Thursday. "I've decided not to go back to Germany to fight Urkal in September. I'm the champ and fighting Urkal does nothing for my career. I already fought him, so things should be in my favour this time around and I should get what I want. And... what I want is to fight (Ricky) Hatton, (Floyd) Mayweather Jr., or (Miguel) Cotto! I want to defend my title against these guys and I guarantee you that I will stop any one of them within six rounds!"
Speaking from a gym in Florida, where he is being coached by his father (Herman Harris), the Guyanese-born, Brooklyn resident adds: "My father advised me not to fight Urkal again in Germany and that such a fight would be a step backwards for me. And... he's right! Why should I go back to Germany to defend my title? None of the other champs have to do it!"
Harris continues, "I've never changed my mind about a fight before in my life. But in this case, I have to because it just isn't a good career move for me. I already proved myself in Germany and there should be no reason for me to go back there again. I'm the champion! Guys should be coming over here to fight me! But... I'm willing to go to England to fight Hatton and I'm willing to go to Puerto Rico to fight Cotto, just to prove that none of these guys are as tough as people think."
While the WBA christened undisputed junior welter champ Kostya Tszyu as their 'Super Champion,' Harris won that sanctioning body's regular title from Diosbelys Hurtado in 2000 by scoring a stunning second round TKO. Harris then went on to defend his belt last July against undefeated Frenchman, Souleymane M'baye, and then Urkal.
Other notable victories on Harris' resume include Ivan Robinson, Golden Johnson and Michael Clarke. A loss to ring veteran Ray Oliveira back in 2000 remains the only blemish on his record.
Early last month, Tszyu was stripped of his 'Super Champion' title, leaving the 25 year old Harris (24-1-1; 16 KO's) as the sole titlist at 140 pounds. Being perched upon such a lofty position usually brings unabated challenges from fighters ranked throughout the division.
But... no one is calling out Harris. And, it seems that the young champ is the one that's doing all the talking. "Where is everybody?!" asks Harris incredulously. "Why can't I get a fight? It's like I'm being hidden! I want to fight! I want to prove to everyone that I am the best junior welterweight in the world and I can only do that if I fight guys like Mayweather, Cotto and Hatton... or anyone else in the top ten. It doesn't matter who I fight because no one can beat me anyway!"
Harris concludes, "But, I really want Hatton! I hear he wants to fight in October and it just so happens that I would like to fight in October too. So... he and I should get together! I'm giving Hatton a fair offer. He's not my mandatory, but I'm willing to fight him. I'm giving him a shot at my title and I'm willing to go to his country to defend it! He should thank God for my offer... and accept it!" (Fightnews)