Heather Hardy

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Heather Hardy
Born (1982-01-25) January 25, 1982 (age 43)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Other namesThe Heat
Height5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Weight122 lb (55 kg; 8.7 st)
Division
Reach64 in (163 cm)
StyleBoxing, Kickboxing
StanceOrthodox
TeamRenzo Gracie Academy (2017–2019)[1]
Serra-Longo Fight Team (2019)[1]
Years active2017–2019 (MMA)
2010–2024 (Boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total28
Wins24
By knockout4
Losses3
By knockout0
Draws0
No contests1
Mixed martial arts record
Total4
Wins2
By knockout1
By decision1
Losses2
By knockout2
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Heather Hardy (born January 25, 1982) is an American former professional boxer and mixed martial artist. In boxing, she held the WBO female featherweight title from 2018 to 2019.

Early life and family

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Hardy was born on January 25, 1982, to John and Linda Hardy[2] and is of Irish descent.[3][4] She has two younger siblings, Kaitlyn and Colin. Hardy had married her high school sweetheart in 2004, but the pair divorced in 2010.[5][6][7] Hardy was raised in Gerritsen Beach in South Brooklyn.[citation needed]

While in school, Hardy was active in athletics, aspiring to become the first female pitcher for the New York Yankees. Hardy went on to major in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan.[8] She graduated at the age of 22.[citation needed]

Boxing career

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Hardy started boxing in 2010 and had her first amateur bout in April 2011, aged 29, going on to win the USA Boxing national female featherweight title two months later.[9]

She made her professional debut on 2 August 2012, defeating Mikayla Nebel over four rounds by unanimous decision at Roseland Ballroom in New York.[10]

In her seventh pro-fight, Hardy won the Universal Boxing Federation female super-bantamweight title, stopping Ana Laura Gomez in the second round of their contest at the Aviator Sports and Events Center in New York on 9 November 2013.[11][12]

Unbeaten in her first 10 paid fights, she claimed the vacant WBC female super-bantamweight International title on 15 October 2014, thanks to a majority decision success over Crystal Hoy at BB Kings Blues Club & Grill in New York. Two of the ringside judges awarded the fight to Hardy by 100–90 and 99–91 respectively, while the third saw it as a 95–95 tie.[13][14]

On 21 August 2016 at Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island, New York, she faced Shelly Vincent for the vacant WBC female featherweight International title in the first women's boxing bout televised on NBCSN. Hardy won via majority decision with two of the judges' scorecards reading 99–91 and 97–93 respectively in her favour, overruling the third who saw the contest as a 95–95 draw.[15][16]

Hardy met Vincent in a rematch at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York on 27 October 2018, with the vacant WBO female featherweight title on the line. She again won the bout, this time by unanimous decision.[17][18]

Returning to Madison Square Garden Theater, she lost her title, and undefeated record, in her first defense, Go my down a unanimous decision defeat against Amanda Serrano on 13 September 2019.[19][20] The following month she was given a six month suspension and fined $10,000 for failing an anti-doping test after the banned substance furosemide was found in a urine sample she provided the day before her fight with Serrano. Hardy blamed the test result on a prescription medication she was taking for "period symptoms."[21]

After almost two years away from the competitive boxing ring, Hardy returned on 14 May 2021, losing to Jessica Camara via unanimous decision at the Embassy Suites Nashville SE in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.[22][23]

Another lengthy lay-off followed, before her next outing which saw her get back to winning ways with a unanimous decision success over Calista Silgado in a six-round bout at Sony Hall in New York on 13 October 2022.[24][25]

Hardy then secured a majority decision win against Taynna Cardoso over eight rounds at the same venue on 23 February 2023.[26][27]

On 5 August 2023, Hardy faced Amanda Serrano, who by now was undisputed female featherweight world champion, in the co-main event of Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Just had been the case four years earlier, she lost via unanimous decision.[28][29]

Mixed martial arts career

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Invicta Fighting Championship

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Hardy was scheduled to make her professional MMA debut against Brieta Carpenter at Invicta FC 21. However, the bout was cancelled due to an injury by Carpenter.[30]

Bellator MMA

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Hardy made her professional MMA debut at Bellator 180 in a flyweight bout against Alice Yauger on June 24, 2017, at the Madison Square Garden.[31] She won the fight via TKO in the third round.[32]

Hardy faced Kristina Williams in a flyweight contest at Bellator 185.[33] She lost the bout via TKO due to a doctor stoppage in the second round after a head kick from Williams shattered her nose.[34]

Hardy faced Ana Julaton on February 16, 2018, at Bellator 194.[35] She won the fight via unanimous decision.[36]

Hardy faced Taylor Turner at Bellator 222 on June 14, 2019. She lost the fight via first round TKO.[37]

On July 10, 2021, it was announced that she was no longer under contract with Bellator.[38]

Bare-knuckle boxing

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

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Hardy was scheduled to make her debut against BKFC Women's Flyweight Champion Christine Ferea in a bantamweight bout at BKFC 61's main event on May 11, 2024.[39] However, due to an injury, the bout was scrapped.[40]

Via an Instagram post in May 2024, Hardy revealed that she pulled out of the scheduled bout because she had "too much brain damage" implying that her career was likely over.[9][41]

Retirement and lawsuit

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Hardy announced her retirement from all combat sports in May 2024, stating she was doing so on the advice of doctors' due to issues relating to concussions and potential brain damage.[42][43]

In September 2025, Hardy filed lawsuits against two of her former promotors, Boxing Insider and DiBella Entertainment, as well as Lou DiBella, sports equipment manufacturer Everlast Worldwide and its parent company Frasers Group, the New York State Athletic Commission and its medical director Dr Nitin Sethi along with unnamed "John Doe" defendants. The case centered on allegations of liability for Hardy's physical condition, which the lawsuit said included symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, and alleged violations of federal and state equal pay laws.[44][45]

In the media

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In 2013, she was the subject of the film "Hardy" focussing on the gender wage gap in boxing.[46]

In 2016, Hardy partnered with Dove on their #MyBeautyMySay campaign.[47][48]

Professional boxing record

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28 fights 24 wins 3 losses
By knockout 4 0
By decision 20 3
No contests 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
28 Loss 24–3 (1) Amanda Serrano UD 10 Aug 5, 2023 American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas, U.S. For WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring featherweight titles
27 Win 24–2 (1) Taynna Cardoso MD 6 Feb 23, 2023 Sony Hall, New York City, New York, U.S.
26 Win 23–2 (1) Calista Silgado UD 6 Oct 13, 2022 Sony Hall, New York City, New York, U.S.
25 Loss 22–2 (1) Jessica Camara UD 8 May 14, 2021 Embassy Suites Nashville SE, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, U.S.
24 Loss 22–1 (1) Amanda Serrano UD 10 Sep 13, 2019 Hulu Theater, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost WBO featherweight title;
For vacant WBC interim featherweight title
23 Win 22–0 (1) Shelly Vincent UD 10 Oct 27, 2018 Hulu Theater, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant WBO featherweight title
22 Win 21–0 (1) Iranda Paola Torres UD 8 Apr 21, 2018 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
21 Win 20–0 (1) Edina Kiss UD 8 May 18, 2017 Paramount Theater, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. Retained WBC International featherweight title
20 Win 19–0 (1) Edina Kiss UD 8 Mar 4, 2017 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. Retained WBC International featherweight title
19 Win 18–0 (1) Shelly Vincent MD 10 Aug 21, 2016 Ford Amphitheater, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. Won vacant WBC International featherweight title
18 Win 17–0 (1) Kirstie Simmons UD 8 Jun 25, 2016 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
17 Win 16–0 (1) Anna Donatella Hultin TKO 4 (8) 0:48 Apr 16, 2016 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
16 Win 15–0 (1) Noemi Bosques UD 8 Dec 5, 2015 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
15 Win 14–0 (1) Renáta Dömsödi RTD 6 (10), 2:00 Aug 1, 2015 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. Retained WBC International super-bantamweight title
14 Win 13–0 (1) Noemi Bosques SD 8 May 29, 2015 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
13 NC 12–0 (1) Renáta Dömsödi NC 3 (8), 1:57 Apr 11, 2015 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. Retained WBC International super-bantamweight title
12 Win 12–0 Elizabeth Anderson UD 10 Dec 3, 2014 BB Kings Blues Club & Grill, New York City, New York, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Crystal Hoy MD 10 Oct 15, 2014 BB Kings Blues Club & Grill, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant WBC International super-bantamweight title
10 Win 10–0 Jackie Trivilino TD 7 (8) Jun 14, 2014 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Nydia Feliciano UD 8 Mar 21, 2014 Aviator Sports and Events Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Christina Fuentes SD 8 Feb 12, 2014 Roseland Ballroom, New York City, New York, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Ana Laura Gomez TKO 2 (10) 1:44 Nov 9, 2013 Aviator Sports and Events Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Cassie Trost TKO 4 (6) 1:30 Jul 24, 2013 Roseland Ballroom, New York City, New York, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Mikayla Nebel UD 6 Apr 4, 2013 Roseland Ballroom, New York City, New York, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Peggy Maerz UD 4 Jan 23, 2013 BB Kings Blues Club & Grill, New York City, New York, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Ivana Coleman UD 4 Dec 8, 2012 Resorts World Casino, New York City, New York, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Unique Harris UD 4 Oct 24, 2012 Roseland Ballroom, New York City, New York, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Mikayla Nebel UD 4 Aug 2, 2012 Roseland Ballroom, New York City, New York, U.S.

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
4 matches 2 wins 2 losses
By knockout 1 2
By decision 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 2–2 Taylor Turner TKO (punches) Bellator 222 June 14, 2019 1 3:53 New York City, New York, United States Catchweight (128 lbs) bout.
Win 2–1 Ana Julaton Decision (unanimous) Bellator 194 February 16, 2018 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Loss 1–1 Kristina Williams TKO (doctor stoppage) Bellator 185 October 20, 2017 2 2:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 1–0 Alice Yauger TKO (punches) Bellator 180 June 24, 2017 3 4:47 New York City, New York, United States

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Dave Doyle (June 12, 2019). "Heather Hardy discusses death threats after last Bellator fight, gym change to Serra-Longo". mmajunkie.com.
  2. ^ "Heather Hardy Doesn't Back Down from Any Fight". Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  3. ^ "Heather Hardy Doesn't Back Down from Any Fight". Fightland.
  4. ^ "I'm a Fighter". ESPN.
  5. ^ "Brooklyn Boxer Rises, but Her Feet Stay on the Ground". The New York Times. April 4, 2014.
  6. ^ "Why You Should Root For Rising Boxing Star Heather Hardy". Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  7. ^ PBS Indies (May 5, 2014), The Heat, retrieved August 25, 2016
  8. ^ "Meet Heather "The Heat" Hardy: Pro Boxer and Single Mom". Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  9. ^ a b "'I gave everything to boxing and still have nothing'". BBC Sport. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  10. ^ "'The Heat' has heart". Brooklyn Paper. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  11. ^ "Heather Hardy wins her first belt in Brooklyn". Irish Central. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  12. ^ "Heather Hardy Wins the UBF Junior Featherweight Championship". ubfboxing.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  13. ^ "Heather Hardy Wins by a decision over Crystal Hoy". womenboxing.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  14. ^ "Strong technical performance earns Hardy second title". Brooklyn Paper. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  15. ^ "Heather Hardy tops Shelly Vincent by majority decision in televised women's bout". USA Today. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  16. ^ "Heather Hardy and Shelly Vincent bring women's boxing back to national stage". ESPN. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  17. ^ "Heather Hardy Edges Shelly Vincent With Majority Nod Win". Boxing Scene. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  18. ^ "Hardy vs Vincent II results: Heather Hardy wins WBO featherweight title". badlefthook.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  19. ^ "Hardy vs Serrano results: Amanda Serrano dominates Heather Hardy to win WBO title". badlefthook.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  20. ^ "Haney vs Abdullaev: Amanda Serrano out-battles a tough Heather Hardy in Manhattan". Sky Sports. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  21. ^ "Heather Hardy Receives Six-Month Suspension, Fined $10K By NYSAC". Boxing Scene. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  22. ^ "Jessica Camara Shocks, Boxes Past Heather Hardy To Decision Win". Boxing Scene. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  23. ^ "Jessica Camara Upsets Former Champ Heather Hardy!". 3kingsboxing.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  24. ^ "Hardy ends 17-month layoff with a win". Irish Echo. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  25. ^ "Heather Hardy Wins by a decision in her ring return after not fighting since 2021". womenboxing.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  26. ^ "BOXING: Hardy gets points win at Sony Hall". Irish Echo. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  27. ^ "Heather Hardy Fight Results: Hardy Beats Cardoso in NYC". nyfights.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  28. ^ "Amando Serrano defeats Heather Hardy to retain titles & Jake Paul beats Nate Diaz". BBC Sport. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  29. ^ "Amanda Serrano Punishes Heather Hardy Over Ten, Retains Undisputed Crown". Boxing Scene. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  30. ^ "Elizabeth Phillips to make Invicta FC debut after Heather Hardy fight falls off card". MMA Fighting. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  31. ^ "Boxing star Heather Hardy signs with Bellator, will make MMA debut in NYC". MMA Fighting. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  32. ^ "Bellator 180 results: Heather Hardy finishes Alice Yauger in pro debut". MMA Fighting. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  33. ^ "Heather Hardy to fight Kristina Williams at Bellator 185". MMA Fighting. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
  34. ^ Tucker, Bryan. "Bellator 185 Results: Mousasi vs. Shlemenko". mmafighting.com.
  35. ^ "Heather Hardy vs. Ana Julaton official for Bellator 194 – and future boxing match". MMAjunkie. January 23, 2018. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  36. ^ "Bellator 194 results: Heather Hardy outworks Ana Julaton in snoozer". MMAjunkie. February 17, 2018. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  37. ^ "Bellator 222 results: Taylor Turner smothers, mauls Heather Hardy for first-round TKO". MMA Junkie. June 15, 2019. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  38. ^ "Bellator parts ways with 18 fighters: Daniel Straus, Tywan Claxton, Liam McGeary included". MMA Junkie. July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  39. ^ "BKFC 61 marks New England debut as Heather Hardy crosses over vs. Christine Ferea". Yahoo Sports. March 22, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  40. ^ Martin, Damon (April 25, 2024). "Christine Ferea vs. Heather Hardy no longer happening at the BKFC 61 event on May 11. Injury delays that one". Damon Martin of MMAFighting.com on X. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  41. ^ Martin, Damon (May 6, 2024). "Heather Hardy reveals career likely over due to 'too much brain damage'". MMA Fighting. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  42. ^ "Heather Hardy Announces Her Retirement – "I Hadn't Told Anyone How Bad It Was"". boxing247.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  43. ^ "Heather Hardy Retires After Worries Over Brain Damage". boxingnews.com. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  44. ^ "Heather Hardy's lawsuit misses the mark and hurts people in boxing who tried to help her". The Ring. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  45. ^ "'Billion-Dollar Baby' Heather Hardy sues boxing world for brain injuries: 'They lined their pockets with her pain'". New York Post. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  46. ^ "18-year-old Victorian produces independent film about boxing, women's fight - Victoria Advocate". Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  47. ^ Dove US (June 28, 2016), Dove | Beauty on your own terms #MyBeautyMySay, retrieved August 27, 2016
  48. ^ Dove US (June 28, 2016), Dove | Heather's story #MyBeautyMySay, retrieved August 27, 2016
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