Harris, Harry

A member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, Harris was the first Jewish boxing champion of the 20th Century (he was the world bantamweight champion in 1901-02). A phenomenally thin fighter who was lighter than most of his bantamweight opponents, Harris nonetheless beat the best, won a title, and despite his weight disadvantage, was never knocked out.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. November 18, 1880 - d. June 5, 1959

Career Highlights:
Nicknamed the "Human Hairpin" and "Human Scissors," Harris turned professional at the age of 16, weighing only 96 pounds. At that time, there was no class to accommodate his weight (flyweight was not established until the 1910s), so he fought in the bantamweight class. By 1899, Harris weighed 105-pounds, but was still outweighed by most of his opponents by 10-pounds. A terrific boxer, Harris used his quickness and intelligence to go undefeated in his first 20 fights; 19 wins, including 5 knockouts, and one draw.

In 1900, Harris claimed the world champinship when Terry McGovern vacated the title. Two Englishmen, Harry Ware and Pedlar Palmer, also claimed the title, and Harris went to London to face them. When Ware declined to fight Harris, he fought Palmer for the crown. On March 18, Harris defeated Palmer in a 15-round decision and was declared the undisputed world champion. Harris then faced Ware the following month and solidified his claim by winning a 15-round decision in a non-title fight. Towards the end of year, however, Harris became too heavy and vacated the title without ever defending it.

Harris continued to fight for a few more years as a featherweight, never losing in that division. Although he had success, Harris gradually moved away from the sports; he was inactive in 1903-04 and fought only five fights from 1905-1907. Harris retired having won 40 of 49 decisions (only 2 losses).

Origin:
Chicago, Illinois

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 40 (15 by knockout, 1 by foul)
Losses: 2
Draws: 7
No decisions: 5

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