Wayne comes back with win
Veteran could eye return to pros
A CHANCE meeting at the pub proved the catalyst for a Townsville boxing stalwart to make his victorious comeback to the ring.
Wayne Parker Junior has not fought professionally since 2008, but when his brother ran into Knuckles Boxing Gym owner Matt Rooney the pair plotted to bring the now 36year-old out of retirement.
While he was unable to fight in the first Rumble at the Ross, an intensive six-week training camp leading into the event’s second coming on Saturday got him in not just fighting shape, but in a winning frame of mind.
In his two bouts to claim the heavyweight division title, Parker Junior fought through the reigning champion in Javan Pines and Kahl Kelly to walk away with the accolades.
With his father and brother in the crowd to watch his return, it transpired to be a proud moment for the family.
Rooney said the veteran’s ever-competitive spirit never wavered, completing his bouts barefoot after his old shoes – 12 years old from the last time he stepped into the ring – were ripped away.
He said anything was still possible for Parker Junior, even hinting a return to the professional ranks could be in the works.
“He dedicated himself to putting in the hard yards and he kept his end of the bargain, he got away with the win and it was great to see him back in action,” Rooney said.
“His father has done a hell of a lot with Wayne, he’s been with Wayne through his whole career … and it was a really proud moment for the family to see him get back in there.
“Everyone at the gym loves him, he’s got all the experience and knowledge, he’s been around and he’s there to help any of the boys. He does lots of sparring with the middleweights and he’s just a good asset for our club.
“We’ll sit down and have a talk; 36 once upon a time was old for a boxer but anything is possible next year. Wayne’s already a professional fighter so we’ll sit down and have a talk and if he gets fitter and loses a bit of weight he may be back in the pros.”
The night featured redemption for Dallas Mclaughlin in the evening’s grudge match, as he made amends for his previous defeat at the hands of Damian Wright.
Last time the pair faced off, they only had two days of preparation. However, this time an extensive training regimen ultimately worked in Mclaughlin’s favour.
But it was the victors of the three divisions who are drawing the most attention looking forward, with Rooney eyeing lightweight winner Anthony Lawrence and middleweight champion Joel Hutchison for a shot at the pros next year.
Such has been the success of the first two iterations of Rumble at the Ross Knuckleman Series, Rooney confirmed a third instalment was on the cards, possibly in March.