Former WBO featherweight champion Heather Hardy (24-3, 4KOs) is facing retirement after expressing concern regarding cumulative concussions.
Hardy, who held the WBO title from 2018 to 2019, last fought in August 2023 against Amanda Serrano – a contest that left her with blurred vision for “several days”.
In a social media post, 42-year-old Hardy stated retirement is now likely, citing concerns about neurological damage sustained throughout her career.
“I’ve had too many concussions,” Hardy wrote on Instagram.
“When you have a concussion, a piece of your brain dies, and you never get it back. Imagine that?
“In ten years, I’ve had too much brain damage. I can’t get any more or else I won’t be able to see. No running, no jogging, no jumping rope, and no getting hit in the head.”
Hardy was scheduled to compete in a Bare Knuckle Boxing Fighting Championship contest on May 11 against Christine Ferea. However, she will no longer feature after suffering vision issues following a sparring session.
“I thought I could make it through the ten-minute fight, but after a very light sparring session, I couldn’t see for two days,” Hardy added.
“I didn’t eat or sleep Friday to Monday, and I knew I was too weak to do this. After finally seeing a doctor, he said I’ve had too many concussions.”
Hardy, a popular figure on the New York professional scene, made her professional boxing debut in August of 2012 while making her professional MMA debut five years later.
“I had to choose between my brain and my fight,” Hardy said. “So I’m blessed to be alive but gutted.”
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