Former world welterweight champion Vivian Harris was stopped by rising light welterweight Jessie Vargas in the televised main event of Telefutura Solo Boxeo emanating from the Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino in Primm, Nevada on Friday night. The bout ended after the first round when Harris remained on his stool, a decision that may effectively end his career, or at minimum its relevancy.
Vargas (15-0, 8 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada stunned Harris (29-6-1, 19 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York by way of Georgetown, Guyana with the first shot he threw, a solid left hook. Vargas’ body attack clearly bothered Harris, 145, from the outset as well. Vargas, 143, allowed himself to get backed into the ropes briefly, but the Las Vegan quickly turned the situation around, landing a body shot that hurt Harris again.
Seconds later, Vargas landed a right that may have found Harris high on the head which ruined the former WBA Light Welterweight titleholder’s equilibrium. When action resumed, Vargas dug to Harris’ body before following with a straight right. The blow dropped Harris on the seat of his pants to the bottom rope, but with the bell ringing, referee Joe Cortez opted to not rule a knockdown. It proved to be academic, as Harris informed Cortez that he would not be continuing in the bout. According to Harris’ corner, it was completely their fighter’s decision to stop the contest.
With the victory, Vargas has a good name on his resume that could make him viable for an opportunity with a name fighter and perhaps a world ranking. Unfortunately for Harris, it appears to be the end of the line. A career that was so promising in 2003 has sputtered sharply downward. Harris had trouble making the contracted 144-pounds at yesterday’s weigh-in, taking the scale four times to get down to 145. Harris had said he wanted to fight as a welterweight, but needed to take the fights that he was offered in order to take care of his financial responsibilities. It is a formula that may lead Harris unwisely back into the ring.
