Ronnie Harris
| Olympic medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's boxing | ||
Competitor for the  United States |
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| Gold | 1968 Mexico City | Lightweight |
Ronnie W. "Mazel" Harris (born in Canton, Ohio) is a former American boxer, who won a gold medal in the lightweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
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[edit] Personal
Harris is a follower of the Jewish Faith. One day while doing roadwork, Harris was hit by a car. He claimed that he was asked to forget the whole thing by a member of the clergy. Harris said he became religiously lost, until he stumbled into a Jewish Temple. Harris changed his faith and took the nickname "Mazel" which means good luck. He also wore a Star of David on his boxing trunks.
There are photos of Harris wearing a Hebrew skullcap in the ring. He even brought a law suit against promoters in New York who had pro fights on a Friday Night; the Sabbath, a night in which Harris could not work.
[edit] Amateur career
Harris had an outstanding amateur career, winning the 1966, 1967, and 1968 National AAU Lightweight championship. He later was the 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist at 132 pounds.
[edit] Pro career
Harris turned pro in 1971 and was undefeated until 1978. In 1978 he took on WBC and WBA middleweight title holder Hugo Pastor Corro, but lost a decision. He retired in 1982.
[edit] External links
[edit] References
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