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Fearless Female Friday: Heather Hardy Interviewed
Heather “The Heat” Hardy is a single mother and elite boxer from the Bronx who has fought to overcome adversity her whole life in order to rise to the top of her profession. She’s a survivor of sexual assault and is just now speaking up against the brutal sex crimes committed against her as a young girl. It’s why she fights.
Some of her accomplishments include:
- Won all 13 (13-0, 2 KO) of her professional fights after being recognized in her kickboxing class.
- The first woman to sign a long-term professional contract with famed boxing promotor Lou DiBella.
- Took home the 2013 Universal Boxing Federation international super bantamweight title, the prestigious Golden Gloves award in 2012 and the 2011 national championship.
- Recognized in a NYT feature article
- Featured in a 5 minute PBS mini-documentary .
Tell me a bit about yourself and your career.
- My name is Heather Hardy, I’m an undefeated professional boxer, a 33 year old single/divorced mom from Brooklyn NY. My daughter Annie is 11, about to go into middle school, and is one of the sweetest, most creative and intelligent and thoughtful kids on the planet. I didn’t start boxing until I was 28, and after going 0-2 in my first two bouts as an amateur, I went on to win 8 titles over the next 18 months, including a National title and the NYC Golden Gloves where I was named the fighter of the tournament. In August of 2012 I turned pro, and after being knocked to the canvas in the first 30 seconds of the first round, I beat the girl and went on to win my debut, and all 12 fights thereafter. I am currently undefeated and the UBF and WBC International Super Bantamweight Champion. I was the first female to ever box in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where I am now getting ready to do my 4th bout there. I am still the ONLY female invited to box on those cards. I sell a tremendous about of tickets, and thats the ONLY reason why i get the chance to do so. In two months, i put over $50K with of ticketed fans in the seats. Lots of hustle, lots of winning. The keys to my success.
What made you go into boxing?
- I started boxing just to get in shape, as a distraction from working so much, and going through a divorce. I had no social life and was spending upwards of 12 hours every day working odd jobs to feed the family. It was a hard time in my life, and I wanted a place where I could go and just be “Heather”.. not mom, or someones X-wife, or the lady who answers the phone, or delivers the books.
What are the most memorable moments of your career?
- The best moment in my life, let alone my career, came when I was an amateur, winning the 2011 National Tournament in Colorado. I remember throwing my arms around my coach thinking…”You were right. I can be pretty good at this”. A dream was born. I was boxing for less than 1 year, and became ranked #1 in the country. After that, winning the 2012 NYC Glden Gloves was very satisfying. In my pro career, each win has had significance for different reasons, and I’m sure to carry each with me for all my days. Wearing the WBC green strap also ranks up there 🙂
What goes into training to be a boxer?
- Everything goes into training. Its so true, boxing is so much more than what you see for the two or three hours that might be put in at the gym. My diet is regulated around the clock. What i eat, when i eat and how much I eat. I have a running schedule that includes long/slow runs, medium pace/medium distance runs, and short interval sprint days that are alternated anywhere from 4-6 days per week. I have weight training sessions, power sessions, strength and conditioning sessions, that again are all done on alternate days. I have sparring days, some of which include me traveling that includes 2-4 days per week. I train boxing skill and drills one to two times a day, 6 days a week, with my coach Devon Cormack. Plus, Im holding down a full time job, and being a full time mom. Nobody sees how I fill in a full training schedule, a full time job, and still manage to bake 60 cupcakes for my kids school party 🙂
Do you follow any sort of routine and diet while in training?
- Well, everything I said in the question before. For my diet I have to get super lean, so I give up all the good stuff. Flour, Sugar and Alcohol 🙂
You are a very strong woman who is a role model for many. How does that make you feel to know your sporty inspires so many people?
- Its almost a surreal feeling, something I have to be reminded of often. There are girls who look up to me.. for inspiration, for answers, and for guidance. Everything I do, i do it as if my own daughter was standing behind me. People tend to think that once you have kids, your own life is over and it becomes about them. But i think that self love is more important than EVER when you are a parent. You show your kids by example that through hard work and dedication, all things are possible. and we are ALL capable, deserving and entitled to our dreams.
Who are some people you look up to?
- I look up to Eminem, Derek Jeter, Rosa Parks, Billie Jean King, Oprah… Anyone with a strong work ethic, a will to succeed. Pioneers who follow their heart and dare to be different. I look up to my mom. My coach Devon. My great grandma Anne.
Are you currently still competing?
- YES! My next bout will be August 1 at the Barclays Center.
You are very vocal about helping those who have been affected by sexual assault. If you call tell victims one thing, what would it be and why?
- There were times in my life where I felt like rape was like a life sentence. It was the first thing I would think about when I woke up, and the last thing I would think about before I went to sleep. My great grandma used to say that “God makes the back to fit the burden. If he couldn’t get your through it, he wouldn’t put you through it.” Sometimes you have to just put the past in the past and look ahead. Im thankful to have made it out alive, to see another day, and i try my best to never take a day for granted.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
- I can’t tell my left from my right unless I make the L sign with my hands. I can cook really good. I love to wear high heels. My nose always runs when I eat, and it doesn’t matter if its hot food or cold food… I always need a tissue.
What else do you want America to know about you?
- That I could fight, and I’m much tougher than I get credit for. Most of the girls I fight, or spar with say they didn’t think I was that good until they get in there with me. Even most of my fans! Everyone is surprised when they find out I fight my ass off! Its hard to beat someone who never gives up.
