Heather Hardy: "I’ve had too many concussions"
Heather Hardy, a distinguished female boxer and mixed martial artist, has indicated she may retire due to severe neurological problems. The 42-year-old athlete shared her concerns on Instagram recently after experiencing significant health issues following her last boxing match in August 2023 against Amanda Serrano. Hardy won the WBO featherweight title in 2018 but faced deteriorating health due to repeated head injuries.
Heather Hardy turned professional in boxing in August 2012. She later transitioned into mixed martial arts in 2017 while maintaining her boxing career. Hardy held the WBO featherweight title from 2018 until 2019. During her last boxing encounter with Amanda Serrano in August 2023, Hardy suffered blurred vision that lasted several days, signaling serious health implications.
Post-August 2023, Hardy began considering retirement due to cumulative neurological damage from her fighting career. On social media, she expressed her fears about continued fighting, linking it to permanent brain damage and loss of vision. According to Hardy, "I’ve had too many concussions," highlighting severe risks associated with continuing combat sports.
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Scheduled to compete in a Bare Knuckle Boxing Fighting Championship on May 11, Heather Hardy had to withdraw after a light sparring session left her unable to see for two days. This incident compounded her existing health issues leading up to medical consultation where it was confirmed that she had sustained too many concussions over the years. Hindered by these complications, she acknowledged making a pivotal decision concerning her future.
Finally deciding between continuing combat sports and preserving her brain health, Heather stated poignantly on Instagram: "I had to choose between my brain and my fight. So I’m blessed to be alive but gutted.” This declaration has signaled what appears as an end to an illustrious career plagued by increased health concerns.
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