By Cathal Jennings – Recently I caught with WBC International Female Super Bathamweight Champion Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy. See what she has to say about the progress of Women’s Boxing, Why she started Boxing, Her shot at the World Title and much more.
CJ: You remain undefeated how do you feel you are progressing?
HH: Every fight is a progression from the last one. Each camp, I’m learning new techniques and it’s exciting to moving up the ranks.
CJ: How do you feel Women’s Boxing progressing at the moment do you think more could be done to grow the Female side of the sport?
HH: I think there’s always room for improvement, to grow the female side of every sport. In 2016 women are still grossly underpaid and unfortunately, conformity is comfort. While I’m enjoying the spotlight, happy to be featured on such prominent cards as I have been and actively fighting as much as 4 and 5 times a year, I’m still getting paid as little as 1/3 of my male counterparts. Network television refuses to acknowledge female talent and that is unforgivable. That’s what I’m fighting for.
CJ: I know you grew up in Gerittsen Beach Brooklyn which has a big Irish American community do you think the ‘Fighting Irish’ spirit rubbed off on you and makes you the fighter you are today?
HH: I do have a strong and competitive Irish will. Nobody beats me, my mom taught me that. Nobody will hit you like your mom, so don’t you dare be afraid of anyone on the other side of that front door.
CJ: You are on course to challenge for a the WBC World Title in the near future how would you feel about facing Alicia Ashley?
HH: Alicia Ashley was the first person to ever lace up my gloves the day I walked into Gleasons. She was my first boxing coach, as has been my sparring partner since before I knew how to make a fist. While I’ve come a long way between then and now, and our sparring has gotten to a level where people enjoy watching it. I am hoping she’ll retire before I ever have to step across from her and try to take that belt.
CJ: Katie Taylor has won multiple World, European and an Olympic title, What do you think of her and do you think she should turn pro?
HH: I think she is a total badass and will tear up the pro ranks. Her popularity could do wonders for us ladies looking to get some recognition from the mainstream media.
CJ: Your coach said it’s only a matter of time before you become World Champion do you see it that way?
HH: I do see that, I’ve been moving up the ranks and I’m ready for top competition. I know I’m not the best, but my skill is starting to match up with my determination and my will.
CJ: What gave you the inspiration to start boxing?
HH: l just fell into Boxing. They opened a karate school while I was in the middle of my divorce, and my sister urged me to go check it out. I was living with her, and both of our kids She wanted to see me have a bit more of a social life, since I was working so much and had no time to myself. Within a few weeks I had my first competition and I won. The victory became an addiction. At 28 I found the first thing I’ve ever been good at, and it motivated me to do more, learn more and dream bigger.
CJ: Other than yourself what other Female fighters do you rate?
HH: My favorites, female fighters. Alicia Ashley, Cindy and Amanda Serrano- all my sparring partners who have taught me so much about what it takes to be the best, and kept me humble throughout this process of learning and climbing.
@14Cathal
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