Dusty Harrison-Hernandez, a former welterweight prospect, is making a comeback in the boxing ring after a three-and-a-half-year layoff. During that time, he gained almost 100 pounds, reaching a weight of 280 pounds. Determined to change his lifestyle and resume his boxing career, Harrison-Hernandez stopped ordering late-night food deliveries and started training seriously.
Now, at 186.6 pounds, nearly 100 pounds lighter than before, Harrison-Hernandez is set to face Ronald Montes in Richmond. Although Montes has a lowly record, Harrison-Hernandez’s main goal is to get back to boxing and stay as active as possible. After this fight, he has another one scheduled in October in Frederick, Maryland.
Although Harrison-Hernandez is restarting his career from scratch, with an undefeated record of 34-0-1, he aims to compete at middleweight in the future. However, he acknowledges that he needs to show his seriousness about the sport and continue to lose weight.
For Harrison-Hernandez, getting back in the ring is progress. He has attempted comebacks in the past, but they were derailed due to various reasons, including the tragic murder of his father, Buddy Harrison, who was also his trainer.
Harrison-Hernandez’s motive for returning to boxing goes beyond his father’s memory. It provides him with structure and a sense of purpose. Despite still grieving his father’s loss, he is rededicating himself to the sport.
In addition to boxing, Harrison-Hernandez’s life has undergone other changes. He recently became a father, and he now goes by the name Harrison-Hernandez, adopting his mother’s surname to honor Puerto Rican tradition.
The boxer’s longtime friend and advisor, Mike Walters, has seen Harrison-Hernandez rediscover his joy for boxing, especially through training amateurs at his own gym. Walters believes that although Harrison-Hernandez may no longer be the “A-side” of major non-District cards, with enough activity, he could climb the rankings and compete for a title shot within the next year.
Harrison-Hernandez is willing to start over in the eyes of the boxing world and is grateful for the support he has received. He plans to stay active and regards this phase as the beginning of his career.
Dusty Harrison’s recent tweet shows his transformation as he proudly enters the ring after shedding nearly 100 pounds.
