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 Podcast00:47 – Introducing Sonny 'The Instigator' Hardy02:40 – Training Under Kevin Mitchell04:30 – Transition from Amateur to Professional06:01 – Father-Son Dynamics in Boxing09:24 – Influences and Fighting Style14:45 – Sparring with Joe Cordina18:54 – Toughest Fights and Future Aspirations23:23 – The Challenges of Selling Tickets27:42 – Selling Out the Stadium: A West Ham Dream28:14 – Loyalty and Rivalries in the West Ham Fanbase29:36 – The Amateur to Pro Journey30:31 – Training & Mentorship with Charlie Blake31:19 – Turning Pro: The Leap of Faith32:20 – Standing Out in the Lightweight Division33:58 – Dream Fights & Mutual Respect35:32 – “Shot Stopper” Game: Who Gets Stopped?45:22 – Future Plans: Titles and Moving Weight48:06 – Advice for Young Boxers 💬50:17 – West Ham x Boxing: The Local Bond52:05 – Wrap-Up with Sonny Hardy