CARLSTADT, United States (CMC) – Vivian Harris is hoping to ignite his comeback, when he faces Victor Ortiz in a non-title, light-welterweight fight tomorrow at the Staples Centre. The Guyanese-born pugilist has described the fight with Ortiz as a “war”, and is looking forward to a result that would allow him to push for a title fight next year.
“This fight right here is very important to me,” said the 32-year-old Harris. “I’m training for a war with Victor Ortiz.”
“I am going to leave it all in the ring. I feel great right now, and I can’t wait to fight, it’s going to be a great night.”
Harris has been undergoing intense preparation for the last six weeks, and media reports indicate that he had been in the best shape of his career, which features 29 wins – including 19 KOs – in 34 bouts.
He hopes that a victory will make him a target for one of the three World champions – WBA king Amir Khan, WBO titlist Tim Bradley, or IBF and WBC champion Devon Alexander – in the 140lb weight division.
“My main focus right now is Victor Ortiz,” he said. “He is in my way. It’s my job to remove him from my path back to the Championship, after this, I’m more than ready for anyone of those guys.”
Both fighters share the nickname ‘Vicious’, and Ortiz has a ring record of 27 wins – including one KO – in 30 bouts.
But Harris intends to be the only one left standing, following their bout, which forms part of the undercard for the Shane Mosley v Sergio Mora main event.