January 13, 1900 - September 22, 2000
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January 13, 1900 - September 22, 2000
Toughness on the streets is a New York City trademark, and those who survive the daily battles of crime, poverty and personal danger deserve a rich reward. Billy Harris is a product of the tenderloin of Manhattan where he survived with fast fists, fancy footwork and a complete set of street smarts. His reward is the knowledge that he has helped hundreds of Syracuse youngsters escape the wars of the city streets by sending them to do battle in the squared circle. Billy Harris has introduced boxing to literally hundreds of intracity kids since his arrival here as a young man. Now 84 years old, Billy Harris - trainer, coach, corner man, State Athletic Commission Inspector - is our community’s Mr. Boxing.
Billy started boxing in Catholic grammer school in New York. Later, he boxed while serving in the National Guard. In 1922 he won the welterweight championship of the New York State Golden Gloves. Thirteen years later he became the first black coach of the same tournament. His most successful year came in 1978 when he had boxers in all 11 weight classes with six eventual Golden Gloves winners.
After moving to Syracuse, Billy opened his first gym on West Street and later another on Hudson Street. In addition to the hundreds of amateurs he persuaded to try on the gloves and trained, Harris also worked with numerous ranked professionals, including welterweight champion Billy Backus, and contenders Hal "TNT" Carroll and Rocky Fratto. Harris has also worked the corner in three world title fights.
An up-and-coming fighter must get the right bout at the right time, and Billy’s knowledge of boxing and its participants, as well as dedication to the sport, have earned him a special respect throughout th fight fraternity. This enabled him to get his fighters the best fights and the best exposure possible to help their future.
BILLY HARRIS
1922 - Won welterweight
championship of New York State Golden Gloves.
1935- First black man to coach in Golden Gloves Competition.
1978- Sent six eventual winners to Golden Gloves and had boxers in all 11 weight classes
in novice and open levels.
Opened own gym and trained both amateurs and professionals.
Trained professionals including welterweight champion Billy Backus, contender Hal
"TNT" Carroll, Junior Middleweight contender Rocky Fratto.
Worked the corner in three world title fight.
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