Billy Hardy

Billy Hardy, born on September 5, 1964, in Sunderland, England, is a former professional boxer who held British titles at bantamweight and featherweight, as well as the European and Commonwealth featherweight titles.

Hardy started boxing at the age of six or seven at the Hylton Castle Boys Club. He turned professional in November 1983 and built a record of 13 wins and 3 losses before winning the British bantamweight title against Ray Gilbody in February 1987.

He made three successful defenses of his British bantamweight title and challenged twice for the IBF world bantamweight title against Orlando Canizales, losing a split decision in January 1990 and by technical knockout in May 1991.

Moving up to featherweight, Hardy won the Commonwealth title in October 1992 and added the British title in May 1994. He successfully defended both titles several times before winning the European featherweight title against Mehdi Labdouni in October 1995.

In May 1997, Hardy challenged Naseem Hamed for the WBO and IBF world featherweight titles but was knocked out in the first round. He made two more successful defenses of his European title before losing to Paul Ingle in his final fight in September 1998, retiring with a record of 37 wins (17 by knockout), 9 losses, and 2 draws.

The Billy Hardy Sports Centre in Castletown, Sunderland, is named after him. Hardy was known for his aggressive boxing style and his dedication to Sunderland Football Club, often fighting in red and white striped shorts, the club's colors.