Ever wondered what it feels like to get a punch to the face? Or to deliver one? Well, that's exactly what I wanted to know, and I sought the expertise of Jerome 'The Hatchet' Hatch, a bare-knuckle boxing legend. With three Knockouts of the Night and Fight of the Night wins under his belt, he's a force to be reckoned with. I asked him about the sensation of both receiving and inflicting those bone-crushing blows.
His answers were straightforward, reflecting his extensive experience in the ring. But I wanted to dig deeper. Why did he choose bare-knuckle boxing? 'I just enjoy fighting,' he said. 'I like the test.' It turns out, he got into trouble as a kid and a judge steered him towards this unique sport, which has become his career. So, how do you know if this is your calling? 'If you get your ass kicked more often than not, you're not very good,' he quipped. It's a brutal sport, and only the best can handle it.
When it comes to talking about his profession, Jerome is straightforward. 'I don't say nothing,' he laughs. 'It's usually the people around me who start spreading the word.' His friends often remind him of his prowess, but he remains calm and collected. 'I'm usually the calmest one in the room,' he says. Walking into a bar knowing you're the toughest guy there? 'You don't even think about it most of the time,' he adds. But there was one memorable moment during Mardi Gras when he felt invincible, enjoying drinks with his girlfriend without a worry in the world.
Bare-knuckle boxing, Jerome reveals, is a mental game. 'If you get hit and that blood starts dripping, you just deflate,' he explains. 'People get cut and panic because society tells them to. But if you can stay calm, it's a sign of a true fighter. You can learn a lot about them in those moments.' So, if you're considering a career in bare-knuckle boxing, remember, it's not just about physical strength, but also mental fortitude. Stay tuned for more insights from the interview, and follow me on X @Austin_Perry92!
