Knockout artist Issac Hardman plans out path to boxing stardom ahead of Coleman fight

He’s confident, outspoken and has a string of highlight reel knockout wins, but can Caboolture knockout artist Issac Hardman become Australia’s next PPV boxing star?

He’s one half of the co-main event on Wednesday night, but Caboolture knockout artist Issac Hardman wants the top billing on No Limit shows by this time next year.

Hardman, 14-2 (12KOs) takes on Englishman Troy Coleman on the Nikita Tszyu vs. Dylan Biggs blockbuster in Newcastle on Wednesday night, three months after headlining a Fox Sports card in Sydney.

Confident and exciting, Hardman insists he’ll be the one selling pay per views within 12 months’ time.

BOXING: Nikita Tszyu v Dylan Biggs WED 22nd NOV 7PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

“That’s the goal, for sure,” Hardman told this masthead at Monday’s press conference. “I’ve headlined cards before, but pay per view, that’s a different beast.

“I want big fights, I want to do the business, that’s the plan.

“To be a pay per view fighter, so I can get some money in my back pocket, because you get a little bit of a kickback on those PPV buys. That’s what I want.”

Hardman is coming off a sixth round TKO win over Kazuki Kyohara in August, and Wednesday’s fight night is another chance to prove why he deserves to be one of the country’s big PPV stars.

And while Hardman has one eye on the future, the 12-2 Coleman has been sizing up the ‘Headsplitter’ for over a year.

Asked about his new moustache and goatee, Hardman said he’s wearing it, “because it slaps”. Picture: No Limit Boxing

Hailing from Burntwood, north of Birmingham, Coleman remembers the exact moment he decided he wanted to fight Hardman.

“I first sent this name to my manager on November 4th last year,” Coleman tells this masthead. “I sent Hardman’s name to my manager, and I said, ‘In about eight months’ time, I want this fight’.

“One year later, and the opportunity comes to me. And now, I’ve had more fights, more preparation and I’m just ready for this opportunity.”

Fresh off a four week training camp in Uzbekistan, Coleman sees a huge opportunity in fighting Hardman.

“I’ve seen a few of his fights, and I’ve seen some holes in his game,” he said. “I believe he’s sleeping on my power, and I believe I can stop him.

“He’s a bit reckless, he likes to march forward, so he needs to watch out for what comes back, because I’ve prepared well for this.”

Hardman scoffs at his opponent’s assessment.

“If he’s seen holes, good on him, but I’m going to punch some holes into him on Wednesday night,” he said.

“I’m glad he’s picked me, because I’ll make him second guess that decision on Wednesday night.”

Coleman went even further, suggesting Hardman’s brash talk is the only reason he’s appearing on such a big card.

“He speaks well, but I think that’s the reasons why he’s here – his mouth,” he said. “I respect what he’s done, but I do think he’s here because of his mouth.

“He’s talked his way into this position. I’ve done it the hard way, and on Wednesday, it won’t matter about the talking.”

Troy Coleman says Hardman is underestimating his power. Picture: No Limit Boxing

Hardman hit back hard when Coleman’s comments were put to him.

“That’s bullshit,” he said. “I can fight like f**k.

“I’m number 22 in the world on Boxrec – I’m the highest ranked fighter on this card. My resume speaks for itself, so that’s just him trying to get a sound bite.

“I’ve been stepping up the whole time, and that’s why I am where I am.

“I bring the energy, and boxing is a business. Before people look at your skill, they look at how you do business and if you produce money.

“Without me at the press conference, it would’ve been a s***show. Boring as. But I’m not trying to be anybody, that’s just who I am – it’s not a facade.

“It’s like Nikita, he’s weird as, but that’s not him putting anything on. That’s just him being weird and that’s cool.”

Originally published as Knockout artist Issac Hardman plans out path to boxing stardom ahead of Coleman fight