Undefeated Craig Parker patiently closes in on the Cruiserweight championship.

Many fighters through history have run silently under the radar, springing to prominence on that rare occasion that a life changing opportunity presents itself. In his 8 years as a pro, Las Vegas based Cruiserweight Craig Parker has moved silently beneath the divisions waters compiling an impressive 21-0 record with 20 knockouts. Up until his 2025 bout with Dionardo Minor in Tennessee, the 35 year old Parker hadn’t boxed beyond the second round in the entirety of his first 20 fights, obtaining only 23 rounds worth of work in 20 pro starts and a 95% knockout ratio. The 5 ft 10 inch Chicago natives relentless style appears reminiscent to that of a young Joe Frazier, with an intelligently aggressive low to the ground approach, offering perpetual head movement whilst closing the distance on opposition. During his 21 fight career, Craig appears to be technically evolving as a fighter, developing mentally and physically into a well rounded pressure fighter with undeniable power. If you dig a little beneath the surface. You’ll find a mild mannered and polite individual who is God fearing and extremely engaging, a stark contradiction to what becomes evident throughout his 21 appearances within the ropes. Parker owes much of his personal development to Elijah Thomas, an ageless veteran boxing mentor who had once been instrumental in guiding another Chicago powerhouse, Oliver McCall to the heavyweight championship. Elijah was a patient and knowledgeable man who lived by strong principals and great faith, qualities that have rubbed off onto the philosophical Parker. Elijah once insisted that many fighters rushed like a freight train towards the championship, but fell by the wayside equally as fast. At this season of his career, Parker has adopted the approach that by constantly winning and steadily maintaining momentum, over time it will be hard for those controlling the mechanics of the sport to ignore his presence. Elijah Thomas passed in 2024 aged 91 and Parker fully understands that the mission set in place by his teacher must continue in his absence and has since been under the guidance of the experienced veteran trainer of champions Jesse Reid. Parker has based himself primarily in Las Vegas for the last 7 years but on occasion calls Rock Hill, South Carolina his home, attracted by the calmer, more serene surroundings and following a number of hometown appearances had procured a loyal fan base along with that of his native Chicago but understands that for the progression of his career, Las Vegas is a valuable necessity. Craig is steadily gaining some momentum and despite not having the luxury of a Tv network or the backing of a mainstream promoter, doesn’t sit around waiting for opportunities to come looking for him. Craig recently visited the United Kingdom not for the first time, but this time was purely business, where he trained for a number of weeks in various locations and sparred former WBO world Cruiserweight champion Chris Billam Smith almost the moment that he stepped off the plane. Becoming recognised in the Uk could prove profitable, it has a vibrant and healthy Cruiserweight scene and could provide a platform for Parker to establish a base with a broader scope of opportunities available. Craig is a throwback, a student of the sport who studies ring masters of the past like Georgie Benton, Curtis Parker, James Toney and Buddy McGirt. Craig displays stark style similarities to his hero Joe Frazier and admired Evander Holyfield who like Parker was a deeply religious, dedicated fighter with great mental strength. Craig is very aware of the competition that surrounds him, Las Vegas based Robin Safar and current IBF cruiserweight champion J’ai Opetia as literal neighbours. Potential matchups on British soil are a fantastic bonus against guys like Billam Smith, Isaac Chamberlain and Chev Clarke all a realistic possibility, along with current WBC champion Noel Mikaelian who in Craigs own words is very beatable. Craig intends to remain active throughout 2026 and hopes that doors will start to open for him so that he can fulfil his full potential and Elijah Thomas’ prophecy and stand alongside the likes of Alfonso Ratliff and Leroy Murphy as the latest native Chicagoan World Cruiserweight champion. Patience is a virtue and pressure breaks pipes, Craig Parker has both. 

Craig currently trains at Real Boxing on Sahara and Jones in North West Las Vegas and is promotionally unattached.

Craig can also be reached through me via- Stephen_mirage@yahoo.com