Q&A - Anthony Hardy

We are really excited here for Phil Jeffries' latest card this coming Friday (20th November) and have already featured a couple of fighters who will be showcasing their talents on the the bill. This one is a particularly fascinating read. A massive thanks to Anthony Hardy who offered some brilliant insight into his route into boxing and his thoughts on the sport. The 23 year old is looking to bounce back from his only career defeat, a close split decision for the English title in his last outing.

British Boxing Blog - What is your boxing background? How did you get in to the sport?

Anthony Hardy - My boxing background spans back to when I was 7 and was repeatedly told by John Dineen (Horden ABC head coach at the time) to “come back when you’re 10”.

I returned when I was 10 and was a natural from the word go. Impressing the coaches on

the bags and in sparring. I would go on to win 30 of 50 fights up and down the country at a

top standard in the amateurs, winning back to back area titles; only being beaten by top

prospects.

BBB - Who is your all time boxing hero?

AH - My all-time boxing hero is Prince Naseem Hamed. His whole aura was something that I really looked up to growing up, he was definitely a breath of fresh air to watch. Not only did he

fight with such an amazing style, he made it look so effortless. People misunderstood his

confidence for arrogance which is a shame. I strongly believe that if Naz had have taken his

time and prepared fully for Barrera he would have been victorious!

BBB - How are things going ahead of your fight on the 20th? Do you have an opponent lined up?

AH - Prep is going as well as it possibly can be for the 20th of this month. I have no opponent as of yet which is frustrating, however, I know I just have to be fit, in shape, mentally prepared for

battle and I’ll be fine.

BBB - Your last fight saw you lose on a points decision against Joe Hughes for the English title. Looking back, what are your thoughts on that fight?

AH - My last fight for the English title was by far my favourite fight as a pro so far! I relished the

chance to put my name out onto a bigger stage and impress in doing so. Joe Hughes was a

tough opponent who didn’t take a backward step. Peter Cope Snr. (my coach) had the game

plan spot on for me, and we feel that if the fight was on home soil we would have clinched

the win!

BBB - Do you believe fighting for the English title in only your 8th fight will stand you in good stead for the future?

AH - Fighting for the English title so early in my career has been a huge boost mentally for me, it

has proved that I can compete with the best in the country. I look forward to the openings

that this fight has created for me in the future. Additionally, doing the 10 rounds was

massive for me, it tests your character as a fighter and as an individual. Do you cover up and

go into a shell in the later rounds, or bite on your gumshield and knuckle down?

BBB - What are your thoughts on the current state of North East boxing? Do you believe it's in a good place right now?

AH - I believe there is plenty of talent coming out of the North East and we aren’t getting the

credit we deserve as a region. Big shows like the one which featured Anthony Joshua is huge

for the area, to get NE fight fans excited again. The likes of Anthony Nelson, John-Lewis

Dickinson and Glenn Foot have all tasted the success in having titles and that drives me to do

the same!

BBB - Do you have an active interest in boxing aside from your fights? What has been your favourite fight of 2015?

AH - I love the sport of boxing, not only do I train, eat and sleep boxing, I watch as much as I can

in my spare time! My favourite fight this year… It is yet to happen, I can’t wait for the

heavyweight dust ups between Joshua v Whyte and Fury v Klitschko! I hope Klitschko can

score the KO this time around.

BBB - Which boxer (apart from yourself) should we keep an eye on in 2016?

AH - I’ll mention the big man again… AJ will be the next world champion. 2016 will be a huge year for him. I also believe Callum Smith has a big year ahead of him next year.

BBB - What are your boxing goals in 2016? Will you be looking for the English title again?

AH - For myself, in 2016 I hope to get back onto the title scene... Whether it be for the Northern

Area or the English, I expect to get back to winning ways this month and then take on a

challenge in the New Year.

BBB - And finally, you're a very popular North East boxer and bring a large following whenever you fight. Just how grateful are you for your fans support?

AH - My Team Hardy fans are amazing. My family makes up the most of them and they always

make loads of noise without fail! Without the support of my loyal family, friends and fans I

have picked up along the way, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in. I wouldn’t be able to sell

enough tickets to even fight on these small hall shows!! So I have to give them all huge

credit.

Anthony would also like to give a shout out to sponsors or people that have supported him along the way: JuiceToU, Eddies tattoo Studio, Geordies Pizzeria!

#Hardy #Rainton #Meadows #Jeffries #NorthEast