American Cruiserweight Craig Parker Maintains Perfect Knockout Record

Craig Parker boasts an undefeated professional record of 20-0, with every victory coming inside the first two rounds. His knockout streak extends back to his amateur days, where he also racked up 20 wins—all by knockout.

So, who exactly is Craig Parker, and why isn’t he yet a household name? At 34, this cruiserweight from Las Vegas is preparing to fight in the Midlands, UK—a move that has caught the attention of boxing fans.

Parker is coached by Hall of Famer Jesse Reid, whose connection to Midlands promoter Scott Murray dates back to 1988, when Reid guided Frank Tate for his IBF middleweight title defense in Stafford. The historic link was forged at a local amateur gym where Murray himself once trained. Now, more than 30 years later, Reid is bringing Parker to the same region.

On September 13, Parker will fight in Cannock, sharing the bill with Midlands’ own Sam Eggington at a show promoted by Murray.

Since turning pro in September 2018, Parker has fought extensively in Mexico (seven times), Colombia (twice), and across the US. Now, he’s eager to make his UK debut.

Reflecting on a recent trip to London for the Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn fight, Parker said: “From doormen to cab drivers, everyone knew boxing. I thought, ‘This is where I want to be.’”

But Parker’s real target lies beyond that scene — he’s focused on facing Jake Paul.

Recently, Parker was shocked to wake up and find he had dropped a spot in the WBA cruiserweight rankings. Paul had jumped ahead after his points win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., leaving Parker ranked 15th.

“This feels like a slap in the face,” Parker said. “Jake Paul’s not a real boxer. He’s a great promoter and brings eyes to boxing, but he lacks the skill and respect for the sport’s traditions. He treats boxing like it’s just YouTube.”

Parker emphasized the sacrifices he’s made to get to this point: “I’ve slept on couches, walked miles to train in cold and rain. I started at the bottom like everyone else, putting in the hard work. Paul’s fights feel like exhibitions, yet he’s suddenly ranked as if he’s world-class.”

Commenting on Paul’s recent unanimous decision over Chavez, Parker was blunt: “Chavez was inactive, and if he’d fought a few times this year, he’d have knocked Paul out early. Chavez looked like he just wanted the fight over.”

Paul has since called out WBC champion Badou Jack and Anthony Joshua, but Parker dismissed these matchups as mismatches. “Joshua would destroy him, and the same goes for me. I’m ready to stop this and put an end to Jake Paul.”

While Parker’s been quick to dispatch all his opponents, many recognize him from sparring sessions with Roy Jones Jr. ahead of Jones’ exhibition bout with Mike Tyson in 2020. Jones once said Parker was the closest sparring partner he found to Tyson.

Parker admires Tyson deeply, seeing parallels in their tough upbringings. “My nickname is ‘Pressure’ because I grew up in a tough neighborhood and poverty,” he explained. “In the ring, you have to make quick adjustments under pressure—just like in life. I’m used to it.”

Born in Chicago and now based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Parker prides himself on versatility and power. “I can box forwards, backwards, circle around—whatever it takes to win. When I hit them, that’s the end.”

He discovered boxing by chance when a friend was doing community service at a gym. Despite no prior experience, Parker was soon hooked after sparring for the first time, even with black eyes to show for it.

Inspired by fighters like Tyson, Joe Frazier, and Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Parker developed a forward-pressing style focused on knockout power.

Although he’s built a perfect record since going pro, Parker has mostly flown under the radar. Trainer Jesse Reid hinted there were past disagreements with sponsors over opponent choices, but those issues are now resolved. Reid and Parker are reunited in Las Vegas and focused on pushing Parker’s career forward.

Reid, now 82, said: “People don’t know him yet, but Craig is vicious, dedicated, and clean-living. He’s got a sharp jab and brutal body shots. I truly believe he will be my 32nd world champion.”