Ronnie Harris

[Controversial]

I can't say I've read too much about him but he had a decent record. Olympic gold medalist at lightweight in 1968 and then went 28-0 as a pro before losing a 15 round SD in his WBA world middleweight title shot. At that point he had a win over future world champ Alan Minter.

After his title defeat he seemed to lose interest, he had 8 fights (losing one) before retiring with a 35-2 record. Apparently not the most exciting guy to watch, anyone know much about him?

[Counter-puncher]

I can't say I've read too much about him but he had a decent record. Olympic gold medalist at lightweight in 1968 and then went 28-0 as a pro before losing a 15 round SD in his WBA world middleweight title shot. At that point he had a win over future world champ Alan Minter.

After his title defeat he seemed to lose interest, he had 8 fights (losing one) before retiring with a 35-2 record. Apparently not the most exciting guy to watch, anyone know much about him?

I've only seen the Minter fight but he looked superb in that, a real skillful, fast southpaw boxer, he diced Minter into pieces.

[sweetviolenturge]

I can't say I've read too much about him but he had a decent record. Olympic gold medalist at lightweight in 1968 and then went 28-0 as a pro before losing a 15 round SD in his WBA world middleweight title shot. At that point he had a win over future world champ Alan Minter.

After his title defeat he seemed to lose interest, he had 8 fights (losing one) before retiring with a 35-2 record. Apparently not the most exciting guy to watch, anyone know much about him?

Ronnie Harris was a tough sell to the fans because he was a very slick southpaw with a less than stellar punch whose bouts were usually long, rather tedious affairs. And because he was such a difficult opponent, his managers & promoters had a very hard time getting him meaningful fights.
Personally, I only got to see him fight on two occasions. The first time vs the then-EBU champion & top WBC contender Gratian Tonna of France. The match was televised as part of a short-lived late-night boxing series on CBS in late 1977 & it was a one-sided dull affair with Harris completely outboxing his foe over 12 rounds to earn mandatory status as the 'BC's top contender. Which earned him his following fight, a world middleweight title fight vs champion Hugo Corro of Argentina.
Unfortunately, the fight took place in Corro's home country & I remember thinking that Harris was unlucky in being scored the loser of the bout. Again, it was a dull affair, but in my eyes, Harris did enough to win. Corro got the nod though based solely on the fact that he was the ( ineffective ) aggressor.
Harris continued to ply his trade afterward but never got close to another title shot or big fight opportunity. He won a series of bouts against mostly modest opposition before being caught & KO'd by big punching fringe contender "Slammin'" Sammy NeSmith. A result that basically ended his career.

[klompton]

Talented but boring as shit.

[Chuck1052]

Ronnie Harris and Hugo Corro must've been the most boring fighters of the 1970s.

- Chuck Johnston

[Dart340]

The NeSmith bout wasn't televised, but it was a devastating and career-ending loss.

It was actually broadcast on local radio- WIBC 1070- here in Indianapolis and they showed the last 30 seconds over and over on the local news.

Harris was not only way ahead, but had NeSmith on the ropes holding on and wobbling and all but out. NeSmith threw a wild hook and Harris went out like a light and he took Harris' NABF belt.

That was a double whammy for Harris late in a career. Not only a devastating KO loss, but his leverage for a possible title shot or televised big fight was holding the NABF championship. Without that, I suppose he saw no need to continue fighting 10 rounders for short money with little hope of moving back up.

[Kalan]

I can't say I've read too much about him but he had a decent record. Olympic gold medalist at lightweight in 1968 and then went 28-0 as a pro before losing a 15 round SD in his WBA world middleweight title shot. At that point he had a win over future world champ Alan Minter.

After his title defeat he seemed to lose interest, he had 8 fights (losing one) before retiring with a 35-2 record. Apparently not the most exciting guy to watch, anyone know much about him?

You need more than great speed, slickness, smarts, and overall athletic talent... You need the emotional and character components -- and there's the business aspect of Boxing... Boxing is a tough business and doesn't happen by itself... You need to keep improving, keep after promoters and managers to get you fights, and you need to be super ready for your shot when it comes... There are many boxers with less ability than Ronnie Harris who met with more success.

[Nile4000]

Still probably should've gotten a fight with Hagler.