The Americans have been struggling at cruiserweight lately, with 2011 being the last year they won the 200-pound belt. But now there’s a up-to-date challenger in the division, one that has impressed the likes of George Groves and Hall of Fame trainer Jesse Reid.
After difficult upbringing in ChicagoCraig Parker emerged from what he calls a “poverty-stricken neighborhood” as both a beacon of hope and, in his eyes, a future champion, eager not only to conquer the world, but to do so as a man of the people.
Like many stars in the sport, Parker’s childhood was not a pleasant one. Instead of hiding from this fact, the 35-year-old embraces it and wears it on his sleeve, determined to prove that anyone, regardless of area, can achieve what they want with the right mentality.
In an exclusive interview with the 35-year-old, he told how he fell in love with boxing and how he used the ring as an “escape” from the hardships of reality.
“[When I found the gym]it was the first time I felt like I could achieve something in life, I faced my fears. As a child, I was bullied and ridiculed. I grew up in an abusive home. I think God wanted me to face my fear, stand up for myself, and pursue my dream.
“When I learned to fight, I never let anyone take advantage of me. The ring was an escape for me. I could have done everything wrong in the area I grew up in, everything was happening, but I stayed focused, maintained my discipline, and boxing had a hook that I just couldn’t let go of.
“It’s very crucial to remember where you come from, because that’s what made you, and as you progress, you learn how to be a good person. Ultimately, that’s what I want to be. A good boxer, but also a good person. You want to be a people’s champion and give something back to children and people who are less fortunate.”
As a professional, Parker stopped his first 20 opponents without a fight after the second round, earning himself a No. 14 spot in the WBA rankings.
However, he was subsequently demoted from that position to accommodate YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, a move he called “disgusting.”
The American boxer was then expected to make his UK debut in Cannock in September on a show promoted by Scott Murray, who has close ties to Parker’s legendary trainer Jesse Reid, but the fight was cancelled.
Rather than sit idly by, Parker opted to get back into action immediately, fighting stateside against Dionardo Minor 7-7-2 in Nashville. Minor went the full 10 rounds, losing by unanimous decision but ending his impressive knockout streak.
Reflecting on this performance, Parker sees this scrap as assurance that he has the gas tank necessary to succeed.
“I was a little leery about each round because I had never been that distance, but as time went on I became more and more comfortable. When you’re in the gym, you do so many rounds, you jump rope so many rounds, you hit the bag so many rounds, the only thing you’re afraid of is oxygen.
“None of those things played a role in the fight and if it had gone 12, 15 or 30 rounds, I think I prepared well enough for each round and I was very proud of myself for getting through that many rounds.
“I’ve proven I can go as many rounds as they put in front of me, but I’d like to finish them all first if possible.”
Now Parker has flown to the UK to visit gyms, spar and consider accepting another fight on British soil, where the cruiserweight division is packed with title contenders.
Asked about potential British opponents, Parker said he was content with ending the calls rather than making them up himself.
“We’re just getting acclimated and everything, apart from time [in the United Kingdom] it was great. It was amazing, we appreciate everything. Being here today at the gyms is amazing, as is the case with many other gyms. It’s definitely a place where I would like to fight someday.
“I don’t have any British cruiserweights in mind, but when the opportunity arises and it’s done, we’ll take it from there. There are no names or anything like that yet, but I’m number one, so I think everyone else should call me out.”
“I don’t know who my first opponent will be in 2026, but I’m going to do the same thing I started with – eliminate them all.”
After watching “Pressure” Parker spar with his prospect, Lucas Roehrig, former WBA super middleweight ruler George Groves spoke about the quality of the front-strike guy, believing he has the right mentality and attitude to succeed in the sport.
“He’s a really good fighter and has a good attitude. It’s really crucial to have a good attitude and if you don’t do that it will hold you back in the box, but he’s a good lad, we did a good job and he’s good to watch.
“He’s fun to watch. He’s not the biggest cruiserweight in terms of height, but he’s stocky, punches viciously, and looks like he sets up his shots well. He’s great to watch and has a fun style, so you’d definitely want to watch him, there’s nothing negative about him or his style.”
Meanwhile, trainer Jesse Reid, who has guided 31 fighters to world titles during his nearly 50-year career as a cornerback, compared the high-octane Parker to a “clean-handling Mike Tyson,” stating why he believes his man will end the cruiserweight drought in the United States.
“I would describe him as someone who leads a immaculate life [Mike] Tyson. A person who is really solemn about sports takes it seriously. He will take on any challenge; he’s not afraid of it and it’s not crucial. I’ve fought a lot of great fighters in my time and I really think Craig will be my 32nd world champion.
Confident, charismatic and certainly dissatisfied, Parker’s desire to reach the top of the sport was contagious as he finished.
“I was created to be number one cruiserweight, world cruiserweight champion. I was created to be who I am. I know I’m number one cruiserweight and I know I have the best coach in the world. My team and the people I surround myself with will definitely make me a world champion.”
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