ON July 16, 2002 junior welterweight `Vicious’ Vivian Harris came a step closer to fighting for a world title. The 25-year-old orthodox boxer claimed the International Boxing Association (IBA) Continental title following a unanimous decision victory over Mexican Ubaldo Hernandez.The fight was held at the Civic Centre in Ohio, USA, promoted by Larry McCartney and televised live by ESPN2. Judges Michael Ancona, Gary Merritt and Gale E. Van Hoy all scored the bout 118-109 for Harris, who weighed in at 139 pounds, half-a-pound heavier than his opponent.
Harris became the youngest Guyanese to win a world title when he dethroned World Boxing Association champion Diosbelys Hurtado on October 19 of the same year. The bout was held in Houston Texas and promoted by Kathy Duva of Main Events.
The Guyanese needed only two rounds to get rid of his Cuban-American opponent as referee Laurence Cole stopped the contest at 43 seconds of the second round.