Former boxing world champion Heather Hardy retires after suffering brain damage: ‘I can’t get any more or else I won’t be able to see’

Former boxing world champion Heather Hardy has announced her retirement in an emotional post on social media after suffering brain damage.

Hardy, who reigned as WBO female featherweight champion from October 2018 to September 2019, was initially diagnosed with concussion after complaining of blurred vision following her defeat to undisputed queen Amanda Serrano in August.

However, the 42-year-old’s eyesight soon worsened when she entered training camp for her next bout on May 11, leaving her unable to ‘see s**t’ for two days, while she also lost a significant amount of weight and struggled sleeping.

A subsequent doctor appointment eventually revealed she has sustained brain damage after accumulating too many concussions during her 12-year career – which also saw her briefly switch over to MMA – meaning she would risk going blind by taking any further punishment.

As a result, not only is her scheduled bare-knuckle bout against Christine Ferea this month off, but Hardy is bowing out from combat-sports altogether. 

‘My fight for May 11 is off,’ she wrote on Instagram alongside a video which shows her jumping up in the air. 

‘After my fight last summer with Amanda, my vision remained blurred for a few days. I went for an MRI and to get my eyes checked while I was still in TX and it was diagnosed the after effects of a concussion. 6-8 months i should be fine. So basically I needed a fight, and it never got better. 

‘My daughter is in college. Everyone thinks I made millions in my career but i didn’t, i went paycheck to paycheck keeping that kid in the best neighborhood so she could go to the best schools. And i needed to take the fight, so long story short a month into training for Christine and everything got worse with my sight. 

‘I was down to 123 pounds because i couldn’t eat, i wasn’t sleeping i was so weak. 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 s**t for two days. I didn’t eat or sleep Friday to Monday, and i knew i was too weak to do this s**t. 

‘After finally seeing a doctor, he said I’ve had too many concussions. 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 anymore or else I won’t be able to see. No running, no jogging, no jumping rope, and no getting hit in the head.’

‘So I said the thing,’ she added, ‘ya know what that means’.

Tributes quickly poured in for Hardy following her announcement, including from two-time opponent Serrano.

‘Today is a sad day for me 1 of my only friends in the sport of boxing is calling it quits,’ the Puerto Rican wrote alongside a set of photos of her and Hardy on X.

‘Yes we fought twice cause it’s a business but the history between us few know @HeatherHardyBox & I have been friends & sparring partners our entire boxing careers. We were both outcasts in the beginning. No one liked us so we stuck together. 

‘I don’t want to talk about her issues because it’s her story to tell. Heather with my entire heart I wish you a full recovery & a great retirement. You’re a Ruthless Warrior & I’m thankful to have shared 20 of my hardest F****** rds with you I Love You Always’.

Former IBF bantamweight champion Ebanie Bridges commented on Hardy’s Instagram post: ‘absolutely gutted for you Heather!!! You are a legend of the sport and a proper OG. You’ve given us so many amazing fights showed the heart a grit of a true warrior. I’m sorry its come to this sending you big love’.