Local youth boxer earns international accolade

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, September 13, 2023

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She may be young but don’t doubt her hook.

Shamiracle Hardaway, 17, was recognized for earning a bronze medal in Germany for Team USA in youth boxing. Mayor Willie Edmondson read a proclamation in honor of the teen boxer and LaGrange Granger on City Hall steps Tuesday morning.

Hardaway began boxing at age six, following her father Randy Hardaway to the gym to watch him train, where she fell in love with the sport. The young boxer competed in her first match at the age of 8, when she became “hooked” and began to compete at different club shows.

Shamiracle competed in her first major tournament in 2015 at the Paul Murphy Boxing Club where she won her first belt. She later began traveling across the country with her local team, competing and winning many regions and championships along the way, including Silver Gloves in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.

Randy said Shamiracle has dominated youth boxing, earning 15 championships.

The recent medal was earned while boxing for the Youth USA team in Germany. It was her first time competing internationally, Shamiracle said.

“Shamiracle’s hard work and drive paid off when she was selected to be a part of Team USA, traveling to Germany to compete and ultimately bringing home a Bronze Medal,” Edmondson read from the proclamation. “On behalf of the city council and staff, I encourage all citizens to join us in recognizing Shamiracle “Mira Whip” Hardaway for her hard work and dedication to the sport of women’s boxing.”

Shamiracle said she plans to continue youth boxing for one more year before training to hopefully compete in the Olympics in 2028.

Randy said Shamiracle is considering going after a military scholarship, where she can continue boxing or she could potentially receive a scholarship through USA Boxing.