Twenty-four-year-old Charles ‘Champ’ Harris had a dream of becoming a champion boxer and he took the first step on that journey when he was 16 years old, and he walked into Miller’s Taekwon-do studio in Columbus, Mississippi, and told the owner, Oliver Miller, that he wanted to learn to fight. And learn to fight he did. Harris holds an undefeated 5-0 record with three knockouts in two different weight classes proving his adaptability in the sport.
Harris, who was born in Noxubee County but lived most of his life in Columbus, is the oldest of six boys raised by a single mother, after losing his father at the age of seven. Harris said, “My Mama had to be my mom and my dad, and I think she did a good job raising six boys by herself,” and added, “My auntie also played a big part in my life. If my pockets were empty I could call on either of them to help me.”
He won the IBF 145 title on January 17th of 2016. Then moved up 25 pounds to win two 170 pound belts in May of 2017 at the Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi. Holding three championships is just the beginning, as bigger opportunities are coming his way.
Although the Mississippi native is signed to a two year deal with Ready to Rumble promotions, he wouldn’t mind entertaining other deals. Harris stated that it would be a blessing if he could sign with Golden Boy Promotions or Mayweather Promotions.
Harris considers Floyd Mayweather, Jr. an idol, and he sees his career going in a similar direction as Mayweather’s. “I want to own every belt in the next 10 years.” Harris said. “I want to box for the next 30 years.”
After going back and forth on the pros and cons with both Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, Harris says he would sign with Golden Boy. “If Golden Boy called me at the moment, I would sign with them because of the stable of boxers.”
Even though boxing is Harris’ passion, its equally important to him to speak to youth and encourage them to do the right thing. “My favorite thing to do is do mentor kids,” Harris said. “I don’t see myself as a role model, I see myself as a person chasing a dream trying to get what Floyd Mayweather and LeBron James has.”
He has spoken to kids at different venues such as the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, and the Boys and Girls Club, spreading his anti-bullying message.
When asked about his own personal experience with bullying as a child Harris responded,
“When kids bully others they don’t understand what the victim is going through, and its important to me to help put a stop to that.” The accomplished 24-year-old expects to visit more schools and continue his efforts to stop bullying.
