People have struggled within the cruiserweight division as of late, with 2011 being the final time they held a belt at 200lbs. Nonetheless, there’s now a brand new contender within the division, who has impressed the likes of George Groves and Corridor of Fame coach Jesse Reid.
After a troublesome upbringing in Chicago, Craig Parker has emerged from what he describes as a ‘poverty-stricken neighbourhood’ as each a beacon of hope and, in his eyes, a champion-in-waiting, desirous to not solely conquer the world however to take action as a person of the folks.
As is the case with many stars of the game, Parker’s childhood was removed from nice. Fairly than conceal from that truth, the 35-year-old embraces it and wears it on his sleeve, decided to show that anyone, from any space, can accomplish what they want with the right mentality.
In an unique interview with Boxing Information, the 35 year-old defined how he fell in love with boxing and the way he utilised the ring as an ‘escape’ from the truth of his hardships.
“[When I found the gym], that’s the first time that I ever felt that I might accomplish one thing in my life, I confronted my fears. As a child rising up, I used to get bullied and picked on and I grew up in an abusive family, I suppose that God needed me to face my concern, rise up for myself and realise my dream.
“After I learnt the way to battle, I by no means let no person benefit from me. The ring was an escape for me, I might have carried out every thing incorrect within the neighbourhood that I grew up in, every thing was occurring, however I stayed focus, stayed disciplined, and boxing put a hook on me that I simply couldn’t let go of.
“It’s crucial to recollect the place you got here from as a result of that’s what created you and as your journey progresses you learn to be man. That’s simply what I need to be on the finish of the day, boxer, however man, as effectively. You need to be the folks’s champ and provides again to the youngsters and the people who find themselves much less lucky.”
As an expert, Parker halted his first 20 opponents with out combating past the second spherical, incomes a spot because the #14 ranked contender with the WBA.
Nonetheless, he was then demoted from that place to accommodate YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, a choice which he branded ‘disgusting’.
The American puncher was then anticipated to make his UK debut in Cannock again in September, on a present promoted by Scott Murray, who has shut ties to Parker’s legendary coach Jesse Reid, however the battle was cancelled.
Fairly than sit idly, Parker opted to return to motion instantly, combating stateside in opposition to a 7-7-2 Dionardo Minor in Nashville. Minor went the total 10 rounds, shedding a unanimous resolution however placing a cease to that spectacular knockout streak.
Reflecting on that efficiency, Parker sees the scrap as reassurance that he possesses the mandatory fuel tank for achievement.
“I used to be somewhat bit leery about every spherical as a result of I’d by no means been the gap however as I went, I simply felt an increasing number of comfy. When you’re within the gyms, you spar this many rounds, you soar rope this many rounds, you hit the bag this many rounds, the one factor that you simply concern is the oxygen.
“None of that stuff performed an element within the battle and if it went 12, 15 or 30 rounds, I feel that I ready ok for every spherical and I used to be so happy with myself to go that many rounds.
“I proved that I can go as many rounds as they put in entrance of me, however I wish to get ‘em all out within the first if that’s doable.”
Now, Parker has flown to the UK to go to gyms, spar and contemplate accepting one other battle on British soil, the place the cruiserweight division is filled with title hopefuls.
Requested about potential British opponents, Parker mentioned he was content material with being on the top of name outs slightly than making them himself.
“We’re simply getting acclimated and every thing however the time [in the United Kingdom] has been nice. It’s been superb, we respect every thing, being right here as we speak within the gyms is superb and plenty of different gyms too. It’s positively someplace the place I wish to battle sometime.
“I don’t have any British cruiserweights in thoughts however when the chance finds itself and the enterprise is finished, then we’ll deal with it from there. No names or nothing like that but however I’m primary, so I suppose that everyone else ought to be calling my title.
“I don’t know who the primary opponent of 2026 will likely be, however I’m seeking to do the identical factor that I began off doing – taking ‘em all out.”
After witnessing ‘Stress’ Parker spar his prospect, Lucas Roehrig, former WBA super-middleweight ruler George Groves informed Boxing Information of the standard of the front-footed customer, believing that he has the right mentality and perspective to achieve the game.
“He’s a extremely good fighter and he has received perspective. It’s a extremely vital factor to have perspective and, if you happen to don’t, it would maintain you again in boxing however he’s lad, we’ve had some good work and he’s good to observe.
“He’s enjoyable to observe. He’s not the most important cruiserweight by way of his peak, however he’s stocky and he punches with spite and he seems to set his photographs up effectively. He’s nice to observe and he has received an entertaining type, so that you’d definitely need to tune in to see him, there’s nothing unfavourable about him or his type.”
In the meantime, coach Jesse Reid, who has guided 31 fighters to world titles throughout his close to 50-year profession within the nook, in contrast the high-octane Parker to a ‘clean-living Mike Tyson’ when stating why he believes his man will finish the US’ cruiserweight drought.
“I might describe him as a clean-living [Mike] Tyson. An individual that’s actually severe concerning the sport, he takes it critically. He’ll take any problem; he isn’t afraid of it and that’s no vital. I’ve been round a number of nice fighters in my time, and I actually assume that Craig goes to be my thirty second world champion.”
Assured, charismatic and positively not content material, Parker’s want to achieve the head of the game was infectious as he signed off.
“I used to be created to be the primary cruiserweight, the cruiserweight world champion. I used to be created to be what I’m. I do know that I’m the primary cruiserweight, and I do know that I’ve received one of the best coach on the planet. My crew and the those who I encompass myself with are positively going to make me a world champion.”
