"I never saw myself doing anything like this," Sharpe says, "Never!" The young TikTok phenomenon and dancer with over 3.5 million followers who now lives in Los Angeles is referring to Creator Clash, the influencer boxing event and brainchild of YouTuber iDubbbz. The first boxing event for @yodelinghaley (as Sharpe is known by her followers) was last year, the second match is April 15 of this year. Sharpe laughs, "It's been fun, but after this, I am ready for a vacation."
Sharpe has been training six days a week since November, sparring twice a week with the other days devoted to technique and strength training. "The mental game is getting up and going to training, but it feels so good once it's over. It feels very rewarding."
Influencer iDubbbz had originally told Sharpe there was no room at the first clash, but after another female contender dropped out, Sharpe secured her spot. When word began getting out that she was boxing, people were very surprised. Questions like Why? and How long are planning to do this? typically ensue. But for the most part Sharpe has found people think it's cool.
"It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life," Sharpe affirms. "The mental strength it takes to train and psych yourself up for something like this is unlike anything I've ever done."
As expected, her family has had mixed emotions and has worried about her. Sharpe remembers her dad worrying and then he saw a video from training. "He was like now I understand, she is doing the work and she's good at this." That preparation has built Sharpe's confidence with this upcoming match.
Her commitment to training has also changed her build in ways that she likes. "I'm more fit than I've ever been and I have more muscle tone. I don't like working out, but I do like the way this has changed my body."
"When I am proud of my performance and I know I did my best, it feels great. I feel strong." On days when she is drained, "I tell myself anyone can do anything for two minutes."
For others thinking about boxing, Sharpe encourages, "It is a great way to stay fit." And for women thinking of sparring as a hobby or activity, Sharpe adds, "We need more women in male-dominated sports; if it's of interest go for it. You are stronger than you realize."
Creator Clash 2 will take place on April 15, 2023 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The main event is set to be iDubbbz vs. YouTuber Alex Wassabi, with returning fighters including Sharpe, AB Ayad, and Alex Apollonov. The proceeds from Sharpe's match will benefit Merrimack Hall here in Huntsville.
Sharpe originally went viral with her TikTok dances to Say So, Money Trees, and American Boy, going on to dance in a video with Doja Cat. She has also represented brands such as DreamWorks, Revlon, L'Oréal and Macy's. In 2020 she was named a Top Ten Influencer by Billboard Magazine.
"When I am proud of my performance and I know I did my best, it feels great. I feel strong."
