Harry Forbes (May 13, 1879 – December 19, 1946) was an American boxer who took the World Bantamweight Title on November 11, 1901, when he defeated Danny Dougherty in a second-round knockout in Saint Louis, Missouri.

[1] He lost the title three years later, on August 13, 1903, to Frankie Neil in a second-round knockout at the Mechanics Pavilion in San Francisco, California.

He also faced accomplished boxers Benny Yanger, Tommy O'Toole, Terry McGovern, Kid Goodman, and Joe Cherry.

Forbes had been a two to one betting favorite prior to the bout due to his standing as reigning champion, though many boxing fans still backed Neil to win.

Forbes showed his determination and stamina as a young boxer in the bout, though his inability to move decisively against his opponent in the early rounds may have indicated a lack of focus after his loss of the bantamweight title.

[8] On February 1, 1904, Forbes met Abe Attell in a World featherweight title Match, in St Louis at the West End Athletic Club.

"[9] For one of their last meetings, the Detroit Free Press noted that "both boys are past masters in the art of hit and get away," emphasizing that both had skills in evading blows after delivering one, though most historians would consider Attell the far superior tactician.

Of their November 25, 1904 bout in Saginaw, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote that "The fighting was fierce at all times and the honors were even up until the sixth round when Forbes scored the first knockdown."

The John C. Mabry gang, of which he had become a part, obtained funds fraudulently on the promise they could fix athletic events in the sports of boxing, wrestling, foot, and horse racing.

[2] One of his last shots at fame was his no decision World Bantamweight Title match with Johnny Coulon on March 28, 1911, in an ice rink in Winosha, Wisconsin.

The Trenton Evening Times wrote that they considered the boxers he fought after this last meeting with Coulon strictly "second rate.

"[4] After November 1911, Forbes lost six of seven of his better publicized bouts including a rematch with ex-Bantamweight Champion Johnny Coulon on January 22, 1912 in Winosha, Wisconsin.