EP20 Unleashing ‘The Instigator’ — Interview with Boxer Sonny Hardy

Join hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore on the Champion Contender Podcast as they sit down with rising British boxing talent, Sonny “The Instigator” Hardy 🔥 From his roots at Charlton Boxing Club to training with former world title challenger Kevin Mitchell, Sonny shares his journey from amateur standout to professional fighter. He opens up about sparring elite champions like Joe Cordina, his grueling training sessions, and the family dynamics that shaped his fighting spirit 🧬 We also explore: His dreams of title fights in the lightweight division The West Ham connection 🏟️⚒️ The reality of selling tickets as a rising pro Insights into fighting style, rivals, and respect in the sport * A fun round of "Shot Stopper" where Sonny picks who he’d fight, duck, or stop 🧠🎯 Whether you're a fan of UK boxing, looking for under-the-radar prospects, or just love a great story — this episode’s a knockout 👊

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:47 – Introducing Sonny 'The Instigator' Hardy

02:40 – Training Under Kevin Mitchell

04:30 – Transition from Amateur to Professional

06:01 – Father-Son Dynamics in Boxing

09:24 – Influences and Fighting Style

14:45 – Sparring with Joe Cordina

18:54 – Toughest Fights and Future Aspirations

23:23 – The Challenges of Selling Tickets

27:42 – Selling Out the Stadium: A West Ham Dream

28:14 – Loyalty and Rivalries in the West Ham Fanbase

29:36 – The Amateur to Pro Journey

30:31 – Training & Mentorship with Charlie Blake

31:19 – Turning Pro: The Leap of Faith

32:20 – Standing Out in the Lightweight Division

33:58 – Dream Fights & Mutual Respect

35:32 – “Shot Stopper” Game: Who Gets Stopped?

45:22 – Future Plans: Titles and Moving Weight

48:06 – Advice for Young Boxers 💬

50:17 – West Ham x Boxing: The Local Bond

52:05 – Wrap-Up with Sonny Hardy