Tony Harrison
Tony Harrison

Tony Harrison

“Super Bad”

RECORD

29 - 4 - 1

KOs

21

Weight 154 lbs (70 kg)

Age 33

Home Detroit, Michigan,

Complete Stats

A former protégé of legendary trainer Emanuel Steward, former 154-pound world champion and Detroit native Tony Harrison possesses some of the finest boxing skills in the game today. Read Bio

Last Fight

Loss vs Tim Tszyu

Mar 12, 2023 / Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia

Tony Harrison LOSES to Tim Tszyu by TKO in Round 9 of 12

Latest News

Tony Harrison News
Tim TszyuPBC Boxing Video
Mar 12, 2023 / Tim Tszyu, Tony Harrison, Tim Tszyu vs Tony Harrison

Tim Tszyu Stops Tony Harrison, Calls Out Jermell Charlo

The unbeaten Australian star shines in his native country, scoring an impressive stoppage to set the stage for an anticipated showdown versus 154-pound kingpin Jermell Charlo.

Tszyu vs. HarrisonPBC Boxing Video
Mar 11, 2023 / Tim Tszyu vs Tony Harrison, Tim Tszyu, Tony Harrison

Tim Tszyu vs. Tony Harrison: Duel Down Under

A classic matchup of styles goes down Saturday night in Australia as unbeaten hometown favorite Tim Tszyu battles former world champion Tony Harrison in a 154-pound PBC headliner on SHOWTIME.

Sebastian FundoraPBC Boxing Video
Apr 10, 2022 / Lubin vs Fundora, Erickson Lubin, Sebastian Fundora, Tony Harrison, Bryant Perrella

Sebastian Fundora Stops Erickson Lubin in Legendary Battle

An amazing back and forth battle ends with Fundora winning the WBC Interim Super Welterweight Title Saturday night in the PBC on SHOWTIME main event.

Fights

Tony Harrison Fights

LOSS vs Tim Tszyu 24-0-0

Mar 12, 2023 Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia

Tim Tszyu WINS against Tony Harrison by TKO in Round 9 of 12

LOSS vs Tim Tszyu 24-0-0

Mar 11, 2023 Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia

Tim Tszyu WINS against Tony Harrison by TKO in Round 9 of 12

Win vs Sergio Garcia 34-3-0

Apr 09, 2022 The Theatre at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas

Tony Harrison WINS against Sergio Garcia by UD in Round 10 of 10

Draw vs Bryant Perrella 17-3-2

Apr 17, 2021 Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, Los Angeles, California

Tony Harrison  DRAWS with Bryant Perrella by SD in Round 12 of 12

Loss vs Jermell Charlo 35-2-1

Dec 21, 2019 Toyota Arena, Ontario, California

Tony Harrison LOSES to Jermell Charlo by KO in Round 10 of 12

WIN vs Jermell Charlo 35-2-1

Dec 22, 2018 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York

Jermell Charlo LOSES to Tony Harrison by UD in Round 12 of 12

WIN vs Ishe Smith  29-11-0

May 11, 2018 Sam's Town, Las Vegas, Nevada

Ishe Smith  LOSES to Tony Harrison  by SD in Round 10 of 10

Win vs George Sosa 15-11-1

Feb 17, 2018 Don Haskins Convention Center, El Paso, Texas, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against George Sosa by TKO in Round 5 of 8

Win vs Paul Valenzuela Cuesta 20-5-0

Oct 14, 2017 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Paul Valenzuela Cuesta by UD in Round 8 of 8

Loss vs Jarrett Hurd 25-3-0

Feb 25, 2017 Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama

Tony Harrison LOSES to Jarrett Hurd by TKO in Round 9 of 12

WIN vs Sergey Rabchenko 30-5-0

Jul 30, 2016 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Sergey Rabchenko LOSES to Tony Harrison by TKO in Round 9 of 12

Win vs Fernando Guerrero 28-4-0

Mar 05, 2016 Sands Bethlehem Event Center, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Fernando Guerrero by TKO in Round 6 of 10

Win vs Cecil McCalla 23-4-0

Oct 31, 2015 NRG Arena, Houston

Tony Harrison WINS against Cecil McCalla by UD in Round 10 of 10

Loss vs Willie Nelson 23-2-1

Jul 11, 2015 USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida

Tony Harrison LOSES to Willie Nelson by TKO in Round 9 of 10

Win vs Tyrone Brunson 22-3-1

Dec 20, 2014 Little Creek Casino Resort, Shelton, Washington, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Tyrone Brunson by TKO in Round 1 of 8

Win vs Bronco McKart 56-10-1

May 30, 2014 Cobo Center Ballroom, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Bronco McKart by TKO in Round 1 of 10

Win vs Grady Brewer 30-17-0

Feb 07, 2014 Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Grady Brewer by TKO in Round 2 of 8

Win vs Donald Ward 6-2-0

Nov 27, 2013 Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Donald Ward by TKO in Round 2 of 8

Win vs Marcos Primera 20-27-2

Sep 13, 2013 Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Marcos Primera by RTD in Round 3 of 6

Win vs Gilbert Alex Sanchez 2-2-0

Aug 03, 2013 Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Gilbert Alex Sanchez by TKO in Round 2 of 6

Win vs Ruben Galvan 27-23-4

May 10, 2013 Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Ruben Galvan by KO in Round 1 of 6

Win vs Thomas Amaro 2-0-0

Mar 07, 2013 Motor City Casino, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Thomas Amaro by KO in Round 1 of 6

Win vs Daniel Urbanski 21-11-3

Nov 10, 2012 O2 World Arena, Altona, Hamburg, Germany

Tony Harrison WINS against Daniel Urbanski by UD in Round 6 of 6

Win vs Marqus Jackson 2-6-0

Oct 12, 2012 Sportplex, Taylor, Michigan, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Marqus Jackson by UD in Round 6 of 6

Win vs Calvin Odom 15-11-0

Jul 27, 2012 Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Calvin Odom by UD in Round 8 of 8

Win vs Flavio Turelli 10-5-2

Jul 07, 2012 Stade de Suisse, Berne, Switzerland

Tony Harrison WINS against Flavio Turelli by TKO in Round 1 of 6

Win vs Ishwar Amador 11-9-0

May 11, 2012 Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Ishwar Amador by TKO in Round 2 of 6

Win vs Alfred Hall 3-2-2

Mar 10, 2012 Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, Michigan, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Alfred Hall by TKO in Round 2 of 6

Win vs Harun Akcabelen 10-4-1

Mar 03, 2012 ESPRIT arena, Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Tony Harrison WINS against Harun Akcabelen by KO in Round 3 of 6

Win vs Dorian Hatcher 0-0-0

Oct 06, 2011 Motor City Casino, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Dorian Hatcher by TKO in Round 1 of 4

Win vs Aloric Carson 0-0-0

Jul 30, 2011 U.S. Steel Yard, Gary, Indiana, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Aloric Carson by RTD in Round 1 of 4

Win vs Tony Hervey 0-2-0

Jul 15, 2011 Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA

Tony Harrison WINS against Tony Hervey by TKO in Round 1 of 4

Win vs Uwe Tritschler 3-4-1

Jul 02, 2011 Imtech-Arena, Altona, Hamburg, Germany

Tony Harrison WINS against Uwe Tritschler by TKO in Round 1 of 4

Stats

Tony Harrison “Super Bad”

  • WINS 29
  • LOSSES 4
  • DRAWS 1
  • KOs 21

Weight 154 lbs (70 kg)

Height 6'1" (1.85 m)

Reach 76½" (194 cm)

  • Born

    September 06, 1990
  • Age

    33
  • Country

    USA
  • Born in

    Detroit, MI
  • Trains in

    Detroit, MI
  • Stance

  • Rounds Boxed

    170
  • KO Percentage

    72.41%
  • Boxing Hero

Fighter data provided by BoxRec Ltd. View disclaimer

Bio

Tony Harrison Bio

Tony “Superbad” Harrison is determined to put Detroit back on the boxing map. One of the last protégés of late Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward, Harrison is the reigning WBC World Super Welterweight Champion.

Born with a boxing pedigree

Harrison was born with boxing in his blood. His grandfather Henry Hank won 62 fights during a 19-year pro career, and father Ali Salaam competed professionally at 147 pounds.

Although trained by his father, it was Harrison’s mother who steered him toward boxing after he was suspended from school repeatedly for fighting.

“My dad didn’t want me to box, but my mom got tired of seeing me get suspended,” Harrison said. “She told my dad to put me in the gym.”

Training under the tutelage of both his father and Steward, Harrison thrived as an amateur, compiling a record of 75-12, winning two Michigan Golden Gloves titles and reaching the semifinals of the National Golden Gloves tournament.

Tony Harrison and Daniel Urbanski
Tony Harrison delivers punishment during his win over Daniel Urbanski in Hamburg, Germany, on November 10, 2012.

Strong out of the gate

Harrison, the second youngest of eight children, turned pro in 2011 on Steward’s advice instead of trying to make the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.

He made his professional debut in July 2011, gaining a first-round technical knockout of Uwe Tritschler in Hamburg, Germany.

Harrison stopped his first eight opponents, including five in the first round. He then won unanimous decisions in 2012 over veterans Calvin Odom and Daniel Urbanski to increase his profile.

With Steward also training heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, Harrison fought in Europe on the same card as Klitschko four times, including three in 2012 alone, before Steward passed away in October 2012.

Tony Harrison and Emanuel Steward
Legendary trainer Emanuel Steward helped guide Tony Harrison's career until his death in October 2012.

Continuing Steward’s legacy

It was Steward who gave Harrison the nickname “Superbad,” adopting it from former 160-pound Detroit-based fighter Bernard Mays, who died in 1994 at the age of 33.

Under the guidance of his father, Harrison stopped all five of his opponents in 2013, setting up a clash with veteran Grady Brewer, who won the second season of boxing reality show The Contender.

Fighting at the Masonic Temple in Detroit in February 2014, Harrison gained a second-round TKO of Brewer. He wrapped up the year with first-round stoppages of both former world champion Bronco McKart and Tyrone Brunson.

The 6-foot-1 Harrison opened 2015 by stopping Antwone Smith in the second round in Las Vegas in February in the main event on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

He then gained his 10th consecutive stoppage in April, scoring a third-round TKO of Mexican southpaw Pablo Manguia at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut in another headlining bout on ESPN.

Tony Harrison fights for a 154-pound world title.

Tasting Defeat

On July 11, 2015, Harrison took on skilled veteran Willie Nelson at USF Sundome in Tampa, Florida. Harrison dominated from the opening bell up until the ninth round, when a hard right hand followed by a left hook dropped Harrison. The Detroit native gamely rose to his feet, but referee Frank Santore Jr. waved the fight off with seconds remaining in the frame.

Afterward, Harrison said he pressed too hard for the knockout.

“I let the anxiety get to me. I felt like I was winning the fight.”

Undeterred, Harrison would win his next three bouts in decisive fashion. The victories put him in line to meet the undefeated Jarrett Hurd for the vacant IBF 154-pound world title. The bout took place at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

Again, Harrison started fast, outboxing Hurd from the outside and landing a number of hard shots. But Hurd never stopped coming. His steady pressure and well-placed punches eventually wore Harrison down. A single right in the ninth round closed the show for Hurd and made him the new champion.

Tony Harrison becomes a World Champion

Rising from the Ashes

Harrison would have to work his way back to another world title shot. He began in October 2017, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Paul Valenzuela Jr. at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Harrison followed that up with a February 2018 fifth-round TKO over George Sosa at Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

On May 11, 2018, he took on veteran former world champion Ishe Smith at Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Las Vegas. Harrison outboxed the boxer, winning a 10-round split decision in a competitive affair.

Despite success on the comeback trail, Harrison was a decided underdog versus undefeated WBC World Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo when they fought on December 22, 2018 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

Harrison brought all his skills to the table, boxing well off his backfoot for 12 rounds. His efforts earned him a stunning 12-round unanimous decision win, making him a world champion.

“I dictated the pace. That's what champions do,” Harrison said. “He wound up for big shots and I kept my defense tight. All we worked on was defense. I kept my composure and I did what champions do. I’m blessed. I told y’all, my family, everyone. He’s a great champion. I’ve seen him in the gym. He’s a hell of a champion. I used my ring generalship.”

Tony Harrison vs. Jermell Charlo 2

A Battle for the Ages

The rematch was set for June 23, 2019. However, Harrison suffered torn ligaments in his ankle during training for the bout. It was rescheduled on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, live on FOX PBC Fight Night. The trash talk in the weeks leading up to the bout was epic. And the fight itself delivered. Charlo came out winging in the first couple rounds. Harrison did his best to avoid the wild power shots but a left hook in the second sent him crashing to the canvas.

Harrison was back on his feet quickly and then, in what came as a surprise to many, began backing Charlo up behind a long jab and thudding shots to the body. Charlo fired back but it was the champ who was in control as the fight headed to the championship rounds. To his credit, Charlo remained determined. In the 11th, he countered a left hook with one of his own. It caught Harrison flush on the jaw, sending him stumbling backwards to the ropes and to the canvas. 

Harrison showed heart by rising but Charlo was on him instantly, landing three straight uppercuts that floored Harrison again. Harrison got up again but another Charlo volley convinced referee Jack Reiss to end it at 2:28 of the 11th. 

“Jack is a championship referee and I won’t question what he saw,” said Harrison, in response to whether the fight was called too early. “I started getting a little lax and got caught looking between hooks. He earned it.

“The game plan was to do a little bit of boxing. The shots he was hitting me with weren’t really hurting. But taking a year off, my body wasn’t used to it. I never trade offense for defense, he caught me in between. I feel like I let us down, I let me down. It’s one and one. Back to the drawing board. I would love to do it one more time.”

Harrison vs. Perrella: April 17, 2021 (FOX PBC Fight Night)

A Tumultuous 2020

Harrison was dealt a major blow in April 2020 when his father and trainer, Ali Salaam, died at age 59 due to complications related to COVID-19.

“My dad has been with me through my whole boxing career. Then coronavirus hit him, this strong, strong man and I had to sit and wait. Because of COVID-19, I couldn’t even visit him in the hospital," said Harrison.

“I couldn’t even talk to him on the phone, because he wasn’t able to talk. My dad would want me to fight and continue moving forward. I knew I had to do it for my dad and come to understand mentally that life was not going to change if I just sat around and did nothing.

“Me and brothers got ourselves in the mindset of a champion again, thinking ‘We gotta do this for pops.’ I could have sat around and got fat. My dad wouldn’t accept that.”

Harrison would return to the gym and, ultimately, the ring on April 17, 2021, as he took on Bryant Perrella at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, California. The 16-months off was evident as Harrison struggled to shake off the rust. The two battled to a 12-round, split-decision draw in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night. 

“The judges do their job, I'm not disappointed in their decision,” Harrison said. “I just have to ask myself what I needed to do more of and what I could have done better at.

“I'll know more about how I did after I look at it again. I probably could have let my hands go a little more. I gave him a couple of momentum rounds where he felt like he was doing better than he really was."

Harrison vs. Garcia: April 9, 2022 (PBC on SHOWTIME)

BACK IN THE SADDLE

On April 9, 2022, Harrison looked better than ever, cruising to a unanimous decision and nearly shutting out contender Sergio Garcia (33-2, 14 KOs) across 10-rounds.
 
“I pitched a shutout against a guy who just fought a guy that’s in the main event right now,” said Harrison. “Muscles are the way in the street, but skills pay the bills.”
 
Garcia applied pressure from the outset, looking to swarm Harrison and trap him on the ropes in an attempt to become the third fighter ever to stop the Detroit-native. Harrison adjusted quickly to the tactics however, and by round four was peppering Garcia with hard jabs to stop him in his tracks again and again.
 
“As the fight progressed, Harrison varied his attack and had consistent success landing powerful blows to Garcia’s head. Harrison dominated the punch stats, connecting on 197 shots to Garcia’s 103, despite Garcia throwing over 100 more punches (592-491). Harrison’s sharpness was also reflected in his 51% connect rate on power punches.
 
“He was swinging for the fences,” said Harrison. “When he was missing shots, all I heard was ‘whoosh!’. I felt it. I was trying to throw a few more counter shots in between. My composure was everything.”
 
Garcia remained game throughout and was determined to keep coming forward until the final bell, but the veteran Harrison showed ring savvy as the Spaniard’s punches were never able to bother him. After 10 rounds, all three judges scored the fight in favor of Harrison with two scores of 100-90 and one tally of 98-92.  

Harrison wasn't so fortunate in his next bout as he was stopped in the ninth round by unbeaten Australian star Tim Tszyu in March 2023. 

“The better man won,” Harrison said. “They’ve done a good job over there. His timing, his reaction is very good. He just beat me, so all I can say is he’s up for [Jermell] Charlo.”