Vivian Harris was on the way to acquiring the pseudonym `Vicious’ when he collided with American Garland Johnson.The fight was held on March 10, 1998; just four months after Harris became a professional.
The Guyanese junior welterweight won the four-rounder by Unanimous Decision, his first that went the distance, and ended Johnson’s career in the ring. Harris was just 19 years old at the time and would go two more years and 12 fights before suffering his first defeat.
Coming up against Ray Oliveira in Rhode Island on February 25, 2000, Harris lost by Unanimous Decision, as he was frustrated throughout the 10-rounder by the more experienced American’s jab and quick combinations.
Seven fights and two years later `Vicious’ was crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Association (IBA) junior welterweight champion following a second round of Cuban- American Diosbelys Hurtado.
At age 24, Harris became the youngest Guyanese to win a world title.