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 Documentary

58:59 – 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