He declared himself the first colored middleweight champion of the world after a fight with "Black Frank" Taylor in Minneapolis in 1887.

Harris' legacy is that of being one of the first African-American boxing celebrities in the United States, with public acclaim during his time extending throughout the Midwest region.

[2] As Harris began boxing in backrooms and outside saloons,[1] he gained a reputation for his "sledgehammer" punches and came to be known as "The Black Pearl".

[3] Charles Hadley and George Phillips, two other prominent African American boxers, served as his trainers.

Harris and Taylor had fought six times between December 22, 1886, and the title bout; Martin lost their first fight, won the second, then drew the next four contests.

[1] Harris is considered a pioneer in the sport of boxing around the turn of the 20th century alongside Oscar Gardner, Danny Needham, Patrick Killen, and others.