Boxer Heather Hardy has proven that you can find success in fighting your 30′s.
The undefeated 31-year-old pugilist recently got her sixth win with a TKO over Cassie Trost in New York this past week. She balances being a mom and being a trainer at the legendary Gleason’s Gym.
We talked to Hardy about her successful career and her recent win.
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Wombat Sports: You are currently undefeated as a pro. Has that been surprising?
Heather Hardy: No, I’m not surprised that I’m undefeated. I work so hard and I don’t go into my fights half-hearted. I give 100% to my training and my boxing, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. What has been a surprise though, is the overwhelming love and support I’ve received from my fans. It has been exiting to see my following grow everyday, and it has motivated me to work even harder.
vs. Mikayla Nebel 2012
Wombat: You started your boxing career later than most boxers. How is it being over 30 and fighting boxers younger than you?
Hardy: I feel that my life experience has helped me remain focused and disciplined. At 31, I feel I understand life enough that my coach never has to tell me to run or train because I understand how much hard work it it takes to achieve success. I am 31, but my body is definitely not old.
W.S.: How has it been training boxing and balancing work and mother duties?
H.H.: It is a big responsibility being a single parent, trying to balance work, boxing and raising my family, but, like any job, it has to be done. I love every part of my life, so I make sure I find the time to give each part the attention it needs to grow. It’s funny, no one ever asks a man how they balance work and family 
They just do it!
W.S.: There has been some momentum in terms of pro female boxing in other countries, but the US is struggling to get females on the cards. What do you feel needs to be done to start getting more women on boxing cards?
H.H.: It has been a struggle for girls to get on cards here in the US. Courtney Love once said “I want every girl to pick up a guitar and start screaming.” We need to make our voices heard, we need to start screaming. Female boxing got a lot more attention last year when the girls finally made it to the Olympic Games, but there was an overflow of talent squeezed into three weight classes. Competing with one another for the three little spots, though a good first step, but still just isn’t enough. I was given an opportunity by Lou DiBella to show my city what I could do, and I’m not letting go. Now that we are getting some attention from the public, we need to be so spectacular that no one can look away. Together, we need to show everyone that we aren’t just a bunch of chicks fighting, but we work just as hard, if not harder, than the boys do. We deserve the same treatment.
W.S.: You have fought all of your fights in New York. Will we possibly see you travel more often after this fight?
H.H.: I’m a Brooklyn girl! If its up to me, I’d go anywhere and fight anyone. Fortunately, I have a manager and a promoter who have my best boxing interests in mind. They make the calls as to who, when, and where I fight. My job is to box, so regardless of where that ring is, I’ll just jump in and get to business.
W.S.: How active do you want to be over the next year? Is there a point where you think you could be in the title picture?
H.H.: Yes! I feel like there is too much time between my fights as it is. I’m the girl who will be in the gym training the day after a fight. I love my sport, and I am eager to learn and improve. My focus right now is to keep getting better and better with every fight, so when I do get that chance to fight for a title, I am completely ready.
vesus Trost July 24, 2013
W.S.: What did you learn in your recent win over Cassie Trost?
H.H.: I learn a lot about myself with each fight, good and bad. I get a chance to see what areas need improvement and what I am capable of. I am very fortunate to train alongside world champions, so I’m humble enough to know I still have a long way to go. I have a great coach who dedicates so much time to making my boxing better, and like any true student to the science, I am totally committed.
W.S.: Talk about your documentary that is still in production called “Hardy,” produced by Natasha Verma. What can your fans expect from this project and when will it be ready for the public?
H.H.: The film gives some insight into my life, the business end of boxing, the struggles of a single parent living in Brooklyn, and the larger picture of gender bias and inequity that will hopefully change soon. The film should be out in December.
W.S.: Any message to your supporters and fans?
H.H.: There aren’t not enough words to express how grateful I am to my fans and supporters. When I stepped into the ring last Wednesday on the night of my fight, and heard the sold out crowd at Roseland cheering my name, I was nearly brought to tears. It is just an honor to fight for you guys, and I promise to continue working as hard as I do, so I never let you down. Follow me on Facebook and on Twitter at @HeatherHardyBox.
Filed under: Boxing
