What happens when the fight for your life takes place outside the ring? In this episode, we expose the hidden world of abuse, coercive control, and grooming in athletics through the powerful story of Nikki Hru—a female boxer whose coach became her abuser.

Nikki’s journey reveals how power dynamics in sports can be exploited, turning mentorship into manipulation and training into emotional captivity. She bravely details how her coach groomed her, isolated her from support, and used his authority to control every aspect of her life, both in and out of the gym, under the guise of a relationship. This is not just a story about abuse in the boxing world—it’s a testament to the unique challenges female athletes face when the very system meant to empower them becomes a weapon for control.

But Nikki’s fight didn’t end when she broke free from her coach’s grip. She faced a new battle in the legal system, navigating the daunting process of seeking a restraining order for her safety. Nikki shares the emotional toll of having to prove her abuse, the barriers survivors encounter in court, and the courage it takes to demand protection when institutions are slow to act.

Nikki’s story is about breaking that silence, challenging the systems that enable abuse, and showing other female athletes that they are not alone.

This episode is a call to action: to recognize, believe, and support survivors in sports, to hold abusers and institutions accountable, and to empower women everywhere to reclaim their stories—inside and outside the ring.

“From now on… I’ll never abandon me.”

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of intimate partner violence and coercive control, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Nikki Hru:

Nikki Hru is an actress and an influencer boxer, as well as a survivor of domestic abuse. Nikki is hoping that sharing at least part of her story will help other victims feel seen and empowered in their survival. She is committed to authentically living, creating good from even the worst of times.

Follow Nikki on Instagram @NikkiHru.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at [email protected]. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)

If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).

PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.

Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.