By Venessa Deosaran
- Simeon Hardy
With humble beginnings Simeon Hardy, better known by his ring name ‘Candy Man’, went from being a simple office assistant to legal clerk and eventually to being an undefeated professional boxer. He is a sterling example for youths who are dreaming big.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Simeon said he was born and raised in Plaisance but later moved to Sophia. At the tender age of 11, Simeon experienced a great loss: his mother died, leaving him and his six siblings.
“It was tough after her passing, which had a very emotional effect on me. I was very close to her. I’m still trying to deal with the loss. It’s not easy losing a mother so young. I had to leave school early to help with household responsibilities,” an emotional Simeon recalled.
This was when, after sending out a plethora of applications, he was accepted at a very notable law firm as an office assistant. He was very surprised he was hired and was determined to work hard. After working for years at the law firm, Simeon was noted for his focus and being proactive. He was taken under the tutelage of reputable attorneys at the firm and trained as a legal officer.
Simeon is still thankful for those who gave him that opportunity despite him not having much academic qualifications. “I’m a smart kid, and whatever I put my mind to I pursue it head on. I learn fast and always focus on what I’m doing. I had a great future with the firm but boxing was my calling, my passion. Even at that time I was into amateur boxing.”
Into the ring
Simeon said he developed a love for the sport, “I grew up in a family who was into boxing. Well-known boxer Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite is my cousin. My dad had a boxing bag and gloves and he would be at it all the time. I would always observe this interest. When I was like…13 years old, my father took me to the gym and I have never stopped since then. I became an amateur boxer.”
The now 25-year-old described himself as “world-class material” because of his firm dedication. He stated that he knows the qualities he possesses and is confident that he would always be a winner. The boxer turned pro in 2010 when he knocked out Patrick Boston in 20 seconds in the first round, which was said to be the fastest knockout recorded in South America.
Simeon trains six days a week and sticks to a strict diet. He disclosed his only bad habit is being in the gym all the time. The boxer said the talent to be a boxer comes naturally but still it is essential to research. This he encourages young athletes to do. Simeon researches fighting techniques by other accomplished boxers, which gives him an advantage in the ring.
“I have defeated many professional boxers who have a wealth of boxing experience. I try my hardest to be the best and so far I am undefeated. Many doubted I was capable of going against certain professional international boxers but I proved them wrong. This I think sets me apart from the others,” Simeon expressed.
His most recent significant fight was the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) title fight against Iwan Azore in January and although many doubted him, Simeon came out victorious.
“I have a list of boxers who I have ticked off as defeated and I have more who are yet to face me. I have Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis next on the list. There’s a match in the making against him slated for August. He was to appear to make it official but there are rumours of him not being located and that he’s scared. He would usually heckle at me when I’m in the ring. But I’m not intimidated; I’m ready for a match,” Simeon said confidently.
Helping youngsters develop in the sport
- Simeon wearing his CABOFE champion belt
Focused on helping other youths realized their dreams, Simeon founded the ‘Candy Man Promotions’ company, which aims at helping talented youths who want to be coached in this sport.
“I remember as a child I too used to dream of being a professional boxer. Now I’m living that dream and I want to be able to provide that for those children too. I look at them and I see boxing stars and a lot of potential. I’m not going to withhold what I know; I want to dispense my knowledge to them. By August I hope my plans take effect and I start in this area. I recently witnessed some of these youngsters sparring in the ring and I was moved to see how they were imitating my moves and how much potential they possess. This will be for children who cannot afford an opportunity to learn boxing.
“While education is important, they are some who excel more in sports but they may not have the opportunity to explore this talent. I want to help in this area. For me there was a time when I needed help in training and was never given it. When I first started, I would go to fights hungry. One time I ate jam for an entire week because of not having sponsorship/finance and I still won the fights. Some persons make you feel like you’re begging them and I hate that. I rather stay without or find other means of getting sponsorship – which don’t always work out. But I’m determined to follow my passion without letup. I’ve been through the tough times and now I want to help children who need the help,” the determined boxer/ philanthropist said.
Simeon said children in America who are talented basketball players, are given scholarships to colleges where they pursue an education while developing their game. He thinks a programme of this type is much needed in Guyana. He mentioned also that there is a great need to develop sports and athletes here.
“We have the talent but we don’t have the finance to help these ones. These talents we have here are Olympic quality. We’ve had past winners in the Olympic Games but we don’t see that these days. We need more financial support,” pleaded the boxer.
Motivation
- The ‘Chin Checker’ knocks out his opponent at a recent match
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