Fighter Q&A with Seth "The Sweetheart" Swinehart
Fighter Spotlight: Seth "The Sweetheart" Swinehart
At Northern Illinois Combat Club, we’re proud to have fighters who bring heart, grit, and purpose to every training session—and few embody that spirit like Seth Swinehart, better known by his fight name, “The Sweetheart.” Undefeated and unrelenting, Seth has carved out a name for himself both in the ring and in the lives of those he inspires. We caught up with him to learn more about what fuels his fire.
What first got you into boxing, and when did you know you wanted to go pro?
When I was 11, I was sucker-punched by a 19-year-old for no reason. That moment stuck with me. Later that same year, a boxing gym opened up right behind my house—it felt like fate. I knew I wanted to go pro after I broke my ribs and suffered a collapsed lung during a fight. I was missing work, taking damage, and realized: I needed to get paid for my labor, as Coach Pat Coleman put it. That’s when I decided it was time to make it official.
Your nickname is “The Sweetheart” – where did that come from?
It actually started as a joke. At a fight in Beloit, someone asked for my last name and I said, “Swinehart, but everyone just calls me ‘Sweetheart.’” It got a laugh—and then it stuck. My mother-in-law also used to call me a sweetheart all the time, so it ended up feeling natural. Now it’s part of who I am.
What do you look for in the first minute of a fight to break down your opponent?
When I step into the ring, something in me changes—I switch into a different mode entirely. Honestly, I’m not thinking too hard. I’m just locked in and looking for a finish. That’s the goal from the first bell.
What’s your favorite punch or combo to land?
The infamous liver shot. That’s the one that opens everything up—and I love every punch that follows. If it lands clean, the rest is mine.
How has your fighting style evolved over the years?
I’ve become a lot more technical—lighter on my feet, more calculated. But the biggest change is the heart I bring into the ring. Since becoming a father, I’m fighting for something much bigger than myself. That changes everything.
What’s next for you? Any big fights or goals on the horizon?
I’ll be stepping back into the ring at Oshkosh Fight Night on Saturday, August 23rd! Oshkosh Arena, Oshkosh, WI.. After that? The dream is to fight in Vegas. That’s where I want to be.
What advice would you give to young fighters looking to make a name for themselves?
Fighting isn’t something you do halfway. If you’re going to commit, commit 100%. This game is dangerous, and it demands everything you’ve got. Be the hardest worker in the room. Always.
When it’s all said and done, how do you want to be remembered in the fight game?
I want to be remembered as someone who did it all for his wife and kids. Fighting is just the vehicle. If I can bring my loved ones together—even just for a moment—and give them a break from life’s hardships, then I’ve done my job. That’s what it’s really about.
Whether in the ring or in the gym, Seth Swinehart brings heart, resilience, and purpose to everything he does. Keep your eye on this fighter—because "The Sweetheart" is just getting started.
📍Northern Illinois Combat Club
🥊 Undefeated | Cruiserweight | Champion Dad