Former WBO featherweight champion Heather Hardy is raising money to cover rent and basic living expenses after suffering a traumatic brain injury that she says has affected her health, vision and ability to work consistently.
Hardy has raised more than $30,000 toward a $100,000 target through over 200 donations. The 44-year-old says years of taking punches left her dealing with serious long-term health problems after retirement.
“After years of taking punches for the sport I loved, I suffered a traumatic brain injury,” Hardy said. “The damage has affected my health, my vision, and my ability to work consistently enough to cover basic living expenses and necessities.”
Hardy turned professional in 2012 and became WBO featherweight champion during a period when women’s boxing offered far fewer financial opportunities than it does today.
Her final professional fight came in August 2023, when she challenged Amanda Serrano for the undisputed featherweight championship.
Hardy says the fundraiser will help with rent and everyday expenses while she focuses on her health and life after boxing.
Image Credit: ESPN