[1] He had his first professional fight in November 1983, beating Kevin Downer on points over six rounds at Eltham, Kent.

He built up a record of thirteen wins and three defeats before fighting for the British bantamweight title against the holder Ray Gilbody.

In March 1988, he defended his British title against John Hyland in his hometown of Sunderland, knocking the challenger out in the second round.

The fight was in Paola, Italy and Hardy lost a narrow points decision after twelve rounds.

In February 1989, he successfully defended his British title against Ronnie Carroll in Sunderland, winning on points.

The challenge was in January 1990 at the Crowtree Leisure Centre, Sunderland, and it went the full twelve rounds with Canizales retaining his title on a split decision.

This time the fight was in Canizares’ hometown of Laredo, Texas, and the champion won on a technical knockout in the eighth round.

In October 1992, he moved up a weight, when he fought Australian, Ricky Rayner for the vacant Commonwealth featherweight title.

In October 1994, he defended his Commonwealth title in Sun City, South Africa, against local challenger Stanford Ngcebeshe.

In May 1997, Hardy had his biggest fight, when he challenged for the WBO and IBF world featherweight titles held by fellow Englishman, Naseem Hamed.