Friday night was supposed to answer the questions on Heather Hardy’s career, but all it seemed to do is produce more questions.
Hardy had difficulties making weight in the past, so fighting more at her natural weight was supposed to revitalize her, but at this point, it may be too little too late.
Hardy officially got a knockdown in the first round, but it was more of a missed call from the referee. Camara landed the better shots and would have won the opening round if not for the referee’s slip-up.
The remaining seven rounds were an entertaining back and forth scrap but Camara was able to outwork, outland, and rock Hardy throughout the fight. It was more than enough to get Camara the victory. Hardy, on the other hand, seemed stunned at the decision.
The co-main event was an entertaining scrap between two debuting fighters. Stevie Jane Coleman was a highly touted amateur and a clear favorite going into the bout with Kelsey Wickstrum. Coleman’s amateur pedigree and fighting style were supposed to give her an edge but Wickstrum put on a hell of a performance and won a majority decision. Not bad for someone that started late.
The opening bout saw Melissa St. Vil take on Olivia Gerula. St. Vil fought well and rocked Gerula early on. Gerula had not fought in a few years and the rust showed early. After a few rounds, the rust seemed to wear off and the two got into heated exchanges. St. Vil found a home for her hook while Gerula tried finding a home for the overhand right. The two fought hard until the final bell and St. Vil won a clear decision.
