Bio:
HARLEY “HEAVY HANDS” BURKE was born in Galway, Ireland, but it wasn’t long until he and his parents moved to the United States looking for new opportunity. Setting up shop in Yonkers, Harley was raised in New York, but will never forget where he came from. “I am extremely proud of my Irish American heritage,” said Harley. “Leaving a legacy as an Irish American fighter is one of my main motivators.”
Harley laced up his gloves for the first time at the age of 11 and competed in his first amateur bout at the age of 13. He fought in the New York State Golden Gloves, but always had his sights set on fighting professionally. Having a love for the sport of boxing, Harley did whatever he could to be around it. This passion led to a stint as an intern for NY and CT Hall of Fame Promoter, Joe DeGuardia during Harley’s senior year of high school. Having worked two of Star Boxing’s fight cards in Long Island, Harley knew he wanted to be a professional boxer.
Outside of the ring Harley is a go-getter. He graduated from Archbishop Stepniac High School in 2013 and has worked as a construction laborer while building a clientele for his now successful personal training business over the last ten years. In 2022 he began his own pressure washing company.
In the ring, like a pressure washer, Harley drowns you with pressure and power. He turned professional in 2019 and stayed busy finding fights where he could during the pandemic. He passed his first big test, topping a card against Brandon Maddox in New Jersey, winning by unanimous decision.
"Signing with Star Boxing is a dream come true for me. In 2013 during my senior year of high school I interned for Star Boxing. 10 years later I’m signing a multiyear deal with them. It’s all come full circle. My main goal since turning professional 4 years ago was to sign with a prominent promoter. Joe DeGuardia’s track record speaks for itself. He’s built world champions. I’ve got the right man backing me, now it’s on me to go and perform. I want to bring big nights of boxing to NYC. I can’t wait.”