SportsHeather Hardy halts career over health fears, reveals brain damage

Heather Hardy halts career over health fears, reveals brain damage

Former WBO featherweight world champion Heather Hardy has abruptly canceled her upcoming fight, indicating a probable end to her sports career due to serious health issues.

Heather Hardy
Heather Hardy
Images source: © Getty Images | Sam Hodde

May 8, 2024 | updated: 8:04 AM EDT, May 8, 2024

Boxing, known for its high risk of injuries that may have delayed effects, has been a significant part of Heather Hardy's life. Having achieved success as a WBO world champion and explored mixed martial arts, Hardy is now likely facing retirement from her athletic endeavors.

Scheduled to make her Bare Knuckle FC (BKFC) debut against flyweight champion Christina Fera on May 10, the 42-year-old withdrew from the match just four days prior.

"I had too many concussions. When you have one concussion, a piece of the brain dies, and you never get it back. Over ten years, I've suffered too much damage. I can't fight anymore because otherwise, I might lose sight," Hardy revealed on Instagram.

Hardy had not competed since August of the previous year when she lost by decision to Amanda Serrano. Her situation appears grave, and she shows no signs of returning to competitive fighting.

"No running, jogging, jumping rope, no blows to the head," Hardy further specified, underscoring the severity of her condition.

Turning professional in boxing in 2012 and achieving the WBO world champion title in featherweight six years later, Hardy ventured into MMA with her first fight at Bellator 180 in 2017. The gravity of her health concerns stayed concealed from her close ones until recently.

"I hadn’t told anyone how bad it was, not my boyfriend not my coaches. I thought I could make it through the ten minute fight, but after a very light sparring session i couldn’t see shit for two days," she shared candidly.

Diagnosed with irreversible brain damage, Hardy has been advised against any further fights, putting a halt to her distinguished and dynamic career as a fighter.
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