E42: From Pro Boxing to BKB: The George “Hit Hard” Hillyard Story

In this explosive episode of the Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with one of British boxing’s rawest, realest voices — George “Hit Hard” Hillyard. A former England boxing team standout, seasoned professional boxer, and now a feared force in BKB (Bare Knuckle Boxing), George takes us on a no-filter, behind-the-scenes journey through the brutal realities of the fight game. From representing England in 2004 to navigating the cutthroat world of professional boxing, George opens up about career-changing decisions, boxing politics, financial traps fighters fall into, and the mental battles he faced on and off the canvas. He breaks down the truth behind being a “product” in boxing, shares hilarious and emotional memories with legends like Kevin Mitchell, and reveals the highs, lows, scandals, and sacrifices that shaped his career. George also talks about life in Bare Knuckle Boxing, upcoming fights, his incredible comeback mindset, and the exclusive documentary currently in production that exposes everything the boxing world never shows you. If you love UK boxing, combat sports, real fighter stories, or motivational interviews from athletes who’ve lived the struggle, this is a MUST-WATCH. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Intro to the Champion Contender Podcast 00:16 – Meet George “Hit Hard” Hillyard 00:47 – England Team Beginnings & Early Career 02:32 – Transition to Professional Boxing 04:14 – Controversies, Politics & Dark Sides of Boxing 19:43 – George’s BKB (Bare Knuckle Boxing) Journey 33:32 – Training, Mindset & Discipline 35:19 – Influencers in Boxing & Future Plans 38:40 – How Boxing Discipline Led to Music 39:10 – The Harsh Business Reality of Boxing 39:49 – Why Boxers Must Be a Product 40:27 – Love-Hate Relationship With the Sport 41:00 – Memories of Kevin Mitchell 42:32 – Celebrity Moments & Football Memories 44:55 – The Super Middleweights Era 57:20 – Behind the Scenes of His New Documentary58:59 – Social Media’s Impact on Modern Boxers 01:00:55 – Lessons, Regrets & Career Reflections 01:03:13 – Random Questions & Mad Stories 01:10:35 – What’s Next for George Hillyard