Eric Harding (born December 20, 1972) is an American former professional boxer who fought at light heavyweight.

Career

Harding turned pro in 1991 and was undefeated in his first 20 fights. These wins included a fight in which he defeated future champion Montell Griffin by split decision to win the NABF light heavyweight title on Nov 13, 1998, and a unanimous decision over then undefeated contender Antonio Tarver on June 23, 2000.

His streak came to an end when he fought Roy Jones Jr. for the WBC, WBA, & IBF light heavyweight titles on Sept. 9, 2000. He lost by technical knockout (the fight was stopped after the 10th round by the ringside doctor due to Harding suffering from a torn biceps muscle), but after the fight Jones Jr. said it was his most difficult fight to date.

On Feb. 11, 2005 he defeated David Telesco to claim the vacant USBA light heavyweight title, but lost the title the following year to Chad Dawson by decision, despite dropping Dawson in the 1st round.

Professional boxing record

23 Wins (7 knockouts, 16 decisions), 4 Losses (2 knockouts, 2 decisions), 1 Draw
ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, TimeDateLocationNotes
Loss21-0United States Chad DawsonUD122006-06-02United States Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez, CaliforniaWBC NABF Light Heavyweight Title.
Win20-0-3United States Daniel JudahUD122005-10-21United States Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, ConnecticutWBC NABF Light Heavyweight Title.
Win29-5-1United States David TelescoUD122005-02-11United States Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, ConnecticutIBF USBA Light Heavyweight Title.
Loss38-9-1Jamaica Glen JohnsonUD122003-05-18United States Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, Bronx, New YorkIBF USBA Light Heavyweight Title.
Loss19-1United States Antonio TarverTKO5 (10), 0:43Jul 20, 2002United States Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IndianaReferee stopped the bout at 0:43 of the fifth round.
Win16-0United States George Khalid JonesTKO7 (10), 0:532001-12-14United States Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, ConnecticutReferee stopped the bout at 0:53 of the seventh round.
Win20-5-1United States Demetrius JenkinsUD102001-06-29United States Grand Casino Gulfport, Gulfport, Mississippi
Loss42-1United States Roy Jones Jr.RTD10 (12), 3:002000-09-09United States New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LouisianaWBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Light Heavyweight Titles. Harding did not come out for the 11th round.
Win16-0United States Antonio TarverUD122000-06-23United States Grand Casino Biloxi, Biloxi, Mississippi
Win6-4-3United States Leon A. GrayKO7 (10)1999-11-05United States Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, California
Win18-3-1United States Ray BerryUD101999-10-08United States Hauppauge, New York
Win9-6Guyana Pascal DavidTKO6 (?)1999-05-16United States Eastwood Theatre, Hartford, Connecticut
Win34-1United States Montell GriffinSD121998-11-13United States Miccosukee Resort and Gaming, Miami, FloridaWBC NABF Light Heavyweight Title.
Win9-4United States Dave HamiltonTKO2 (10)1998-08-02United States Fleet Center, Boston, Massachusetts
Win9-3-1United States Levan EasleyUD61998-04-14United States Foxwoods, Mashantucket, Connecticut
Win5-2Jamaica Richard GrantPTS81997-12-18United States Dressler Arena, Hartford, Connecticut
Win5-4-1United States Steve DetarUD81997-11-01United States Foxwoods, Mashantucket, Connecticut
Win5-0Egypt Kabary SalemUD61997-08-29United States Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, New York
Win10-2-2United States Beethaeven ScottlandPTS81997-06-29United States Dressler Arena, Hartford, Connecticut
Win5-1-3Puerto Rico Hector SanjurjoPTS61997-02-20United States Foxwoods, Mashantucket, Connecticut
Win10-1-2United States Beethaeven ScottlandUD41997-01-10United States Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut
Win6-1United States Ed BryantUD61995-12-08United States Foxwoods, Mashantucket, Connecticut
Win1-2Puerto Rico Roberto PerezTKO3 (?)1995-10-03United States Foxwoods, Mashantucket, Connecticut
Win4-0-1Ghana Junior NeequayePTS61995-08-17United States Caesars Atlantic City, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Win5-0-1United States Pat PernsleyUD41995-06-06United States The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win0-2United States Reinaldo AlmodovarKO1 (4)1995-02-10United States The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win--United States Jermain DixonKO1 (?)1991-09-27United States The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win9-41-2United States Robert ThomasPTS41991-08-28United States Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

External links

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