Experiencing Health Challenges Post-Boxing
Former boxing champ Heather “The Heat” Hardy from Brooklyn is putting up a brave fight against medical problems that followed her retirement from boxing. A particularly difficult situation arose after her match with undisputed champion, Amanda Serrano. Soon after, Hardy began to experience double vision, which later on, split and blurred. Unfortunately, her health troubles didn’t stop there.
The Impact on Training
Heather’s health issues made it impossible for her to continue her boxing workouts. “Training became a nightmare because I couldn’t see,” she confides. Attempting to prepare for a goodbye fight with a bare-knuckle champ, Hardy’s worsening condition forced her to call off the match. Now, she’s unable to perform even the simplest of boxing activities like sparring, training, or even jogging.
Consequences of Multiple Concussions
Aside from visual issues, Hardy also battles other health concerns like nausea and weight loss. Heather laments losing 30 pounds, hindering her balance, and a constant feeling of a racing heart. She attributes these maladies to the numerous concussions she suffered in her boxing career. “Getting a concussion is like enduring a minor car crash,” she shares about the doctor’s comparison of her nearly 300 ‘car accidents’.
Being Positive in the Midst of Adversity
Despite her health battles, Hardy remains upbeat. “I’m so grateful to be alive,” she declares, showing resilience and a refusal to allow herself a pity party. She admits that her fighting days are over as she segways into her 40s. Simple tasks like pushups are challenging now, but she insists she’s not bitter. Hardy admits she still loves boxing and wouldn’t change her past in it even with the harsh hand it dealt her health.
Helping Young Boxers and At-Risk Youth
Currently working at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, Hardy has dedicated her life to coaching other young boxers. The former champion extends her care beyond her own 20-year-old daughter to the ones she trains at Gleason’s, fondly referring to them as her ‘kids.’ They’re part of her Porch Light Fund, a scheme she started 15 years ago to assist at-risk children. Even now, as Hardy fights her battles, she is firmly committed to her students’ progress.
Her Boxing Achievement and Future
Hardy made a name for herself in the boxing world when she won the vacant WBO featherweight crown against Shelly Vincent in 2018. Despite losing the title in her next match with Serrano, she’s proud of her career, complete with 24 wins, three losses, and four knockouts. She’s also ventured into Mixed Martial Arts, earning herself a 2-2 record.
Currently, Hardy has taken up a managerial role within boxing at Gleason’s Gym, through which she uses her extensive knowledge and experience in the sport to guide younger boxers. One such mentee is WBC interim flyweight champ, Kenia Enriquez from Mexico. With Hardy’s prompting, Enriquez is getting her shot at unifying the WBC title, a match in the works. Furthermore, Hardy revealed that other female champions have approached her for representation.
Looking Forward
Hardy faces her health challenges head-on, from taking vitamins for brain health to doing puzzles to keep her mind active. Although her doctor has warned of dire consequences if she doesn’t take it easy, Hardy says she tries her best to slow down, even admitting some days are better than others.
In spite of everything, Hardy still finds joy in small things like watching her favorite shows. In the aftermath of her boxing journey, she’s determined to push back against her adversities and make the most of her situation. In Heather’s own words: “I’m gonna shove my face in it until it loves me back,” meaning her fight is not against boxing, but for it. If that’s not the channeling of a true champ’s spirit, then what is?