Hazel readies for a showdown against Heike Herselman
From the ring of kickboxing to the square of boxing, one local fighter's inspiring journey showcases resilience and determination as she prepares for a highly anticipated bout.
Since 2013, Hazel Hardie, a dedicated athlete based in Fourways, has navigated the dynamic landscapes of kickboxing and boxing.
Currently, she is preparing for an upcoming match against Heike Herselman on April 2 at World Boxing Entertainment in Pineslopes.
Initially drawn to kickboxing as part of a health and wellness initiative at a company she worked for in Dubai, Hardie quickly found herself captivated by the sport. When her workplace shifted its focus to yoga, she made the bold decision to follow her kickboxing instructor to a local gym, determined to enhance her skills.
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However, as her passion for the sport grew, she transitioned to a competitive martial arts facility, seeking greater development. “I wanted to get in the ring and spar, but after getting braces, one punch to the face made me rethink my approach.”
In 2018, a serendipitous encounter with a personal trainer reintroduced her to boxing. “He didn’t believe me when I said I loved boxing, so we started incorporating it into my training.”
This new focus quickly escalated when her trainer suggested she consider entering a white collar boxing competition, a concept she hadn’t previously encountered. Just as she began dedicated fight training with two bouts on the horizon, the pandemic lockdown in Dubai struck, putting her plans on hold.
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After relocating back to South Africa in 2020, Hardie wasted no time finding a new gym, TopBox, and within two months, she had her first fight scheduled in 2022. “And I haven’t looked back since.”
When asked what specifically drew her to boxing, she humorously noted that it was a combination of circumstances and opportunities rather than a predetermined plan. “I just found my way there.”
As she prepares for her upcoming fight, she remains tight-lipped about her training strategies, saying, “I don’t want to give anything away in case she reads this.”
Reflecting on her past experiences, Hardie acknowledged the wisdom she had gleaned from previous bouts. “As Mike Tyson said, ‘Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.’ You need to stay flexible in the ring.”
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Her commitment to the sport is evident not only in her willingness to adapt but also in the improvements she’s made since her last fight. “My fitness has sharpened, along with my understanding of what my body can do in the ring.”
As she looks ahead to her match against Herselman, Hardie is filled with anticipation. “This will be the first time we fight each other,” she shared, keeping her expectations and insights about her opponent close to her chest.
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