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

Hardy, who reigned as WBO women’s 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 quickly deteriorated when she entered training camp for her next fight on May 11, leaving her unable to see for two days, while she also lost significant weight and had trouble sleeping.

A subsequent doctor’s appointment ultimately revealed that she had suffered brain damage after sustaining too many concussions during her 12-year career – during which she also briefly switched to MMA – meaning she would be at risk of going blind if she were to take any more punishment undergo.

As a result, not only is her scheduled bare-knuckle fight against Christine Ferea this month canceled, but Hardy is also retiring from martial arts altogether.

Hardy was initially diagnosed with a concussion following her defeat to Amanda Serrano in August

Her eyesight rapidly deteriorated before she was diagnosed with brain damage, forcing her to call time on her 12-year career

The 42-year-old announced the news in an emotional post on Instagram on Tuesday

“My fight for May 11th is over,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a video of herself jumping in the air.

‘After my fight with Amanda last summer, my vision remained blurry for a few days. I went for an MRI and had my eyes checked while still in Texas and was diagnosed with the aftereffects of a concussion. You should be fine for 6-8 months. So basically I needed a fight, and it never got better.

‘My daughter is studying. Everyone thinks I made millions in my career, but I didn’t. I went paycheck to paycheck keeping that child in the best neighborhood so she could go to the best schools. And I had to fight it, so long story short: a month after training for Christine, everything got worse with my vision.

‘I weighed 100 pounds because I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep and I was so weak. I hadn’t told anyone how bad it was, not my friend, not my coaches. I thought I could survive the ten minute fight, but after a very light sparring session I couldn’t see anything for two days. I didn’t eat or sleep from Friday to Monday, and I knew I was too weak to do this.

“After I finally went to the doctor, he said I had too many concussions. When you have a concussion, a part of your brain dies and you can never get it back. Imagine that? In ten years I have had too much brain damage. I can’t anymore, otherwise I can’t see anymore. No running, no jogging, no jumping rope, no getting hit in the head.”

“So I said the thing,” she added, “you know what that means.”

Following her announcement, tributes poured in for Hardy, including from two-time opponent Serrano.

Hardy reigned as WBO women’s featherweight champion from October 2018 to September 2019

‘Today is a sad day for me. One of my only friends in boxing is quitting,” the Puerto Rican wrote alongside a series of photos of her and Hardy on X.

“Yes, we fought twice because it’s a business, but the history between us is something few know @HeatherHardyBox and I have been friends and sparring partners throughout our boxing careers. At first we were both outcasts. No one liked us, so we stayed together.

“I don’t want to talk about her problems because it’s her story to tell. Heather, with all my heart I wish you a full recovery and a wonderful retirement. You are a ferocious warrior and I am grateful to share 20 of my hardest F****** rds with you, ‘I Love You Always’.

Former IBF bantamweight champion Ebanie Bridges responded to Hardy’s Instagram post: ‘Absolutely gutted for you Heather!!! You are a legend of the sport and a true OG. You have given us so many great battles, giving the heart the courage of a true warrior. I’m sorry it’s come to this that I’m sending you great love.”