BROOKLYN - Undefeated brawlers and longtime rivals Heather "The Heat" Hardy and Shelly "Shelito's Way" Vincent hosted a media workout at Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn Friday as they near their long anticipated showdown featured on Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
Also in attendance Friday and competing on Sunday's undercard were a trio of local prospects: cruiserweight Joseph Williams (9-0, 7 KOs), welterweight Julian Sosa (5-0-1, 2 KOs) and welterweight Chordale Booker (2-0, 2 KOs).
PBC on NBCSN coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Live PBC on NBC coverage begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. taking on once-beaten contender Leonard "The Lion" Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting
and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
The two undefeated brawlers Hardy and Vincent are expected to bring fireworks in a matchup that has been building since Vincent showed up at Hardy's second pro bout looking to get in the ring with the popular Brooklyn-native.
Here is what the fighters had to say Friday:
HEATHER HARDY
"This is a huge step up to be on television. It's not the top of the ladder. There's still room to go but I'm really excited, happy and proud to be on this stage. It proves that all you have to do is be super determined, open your mouth and good things can happen.
"A lot of people have been waiting for this one. She's done a lot of talking and I'm pretty quiet back to her. My fans know I'm going to do my talking in the ring, so there is definitely a lot of excitement leading up to this.
"I'm going to be fighting closer to home than ever. It's an honor to be able to represent Brooklyn on the first show at the Amphitheater in Coney Island.
"When I spar, I don't look to focus in too much on my opponent. I just want to get better. We've had really diverse sparring. If I improve my techniques, there is no one who can beat me and that's the truth.
"You can prepare as much as you want, but I don't like to over plan. We'll go in there and figure her out in the first round. We've done the work that we need to.
"A lot of people have criticized some of the opponents me and Shelly have had, but we've honestly always had an eye on preserving our records and making sure this fight happens on television. This fight is not about my wins, but it's about giving women boxers the opportunity to be showcased. Win, lose or draw, we've both opened the door for other women and that's what's most important.
"This fight means everything to me. This is for everything I've ever stood for. I came up from nothing. I've spoken up about my past so that people who have walked a similar road will know what is possible with hard work and dedication. I'm here because I wanted something so bad and I wouldn't let anybody tell me I couldn't have it.
"I've fought so hard for everything and it inspires me to keep going. This is only one step. There's so many more doors I want to open before I end my career.
"I would like to treat everyone to a boxing clinic this Sunday. Shelly is going to get a free boxing lesson from me this Sunday. Not many people can say they get that."
SHELLY VINCENT
"This fight is going to be non-stop action. Don't blink."
"She's a busy fighter. I'm smaller than her, but power-punching comes from your legs. It won't matter. I've fought tall girls and I've fought small girls and it's the same thing, I won. The only way I leave without a victory is if I get robbed.
"I've been working hard. Even harder than usual. I've run, biked, swam miles and miles preparing for this. We didn't leave any stone unturned getting ready for this.
"I'm not going to look for the knockout. If it comes, it comes. I'm looking for the victory. I want to attack her body. It's there for me.
"It feels great to finally be almost time to fight. This fight couldn't have come at a better time. It's a great opportunity. We both worked hard for this. I don't take away from what Heather does for the sport, but I'm excited to get the victory.
"I love New York. It's always great being here and I hope I can fight here more after I win.
"I was trying to find a way to channel my anger when I was younger and it ended up being a release for me. Eventually this sport turned my whole life around so that I could help others who are like I was.
"This is great for our sport and I want it to give hope to the little girls that are coming up in the sport. I'm winning, but our sport will be the real winner. It's an honor to fight for all the girls who came before me and didn't get this opportunity.
