Lamar Parks facts for kids

Lamar Eugene Parks (born March 17, 1970) is a former American professional boxer. He competed from 1988 to 1993. Lamar was known for his powerful punches and impressive winning streak.

He aimed for the WBA middleweight title in 1992. Sadly, he had to stop boxing the next year. This was because he tested positive for a serious health condition.

Early Life and Amateur Boxing

Lamar Parks was born on March 17, 1970. His family moved to Greenville, South Carolina when he was three. His father, David, was a former amateur boxer. He first didn't want Lamar to fight, fearing he would get hurt. But he later let Lamar train in 1983.

Lamar started his amateur boxing career at age 13. He won his first fight by knockout in the second round. Within a year, he became the South Carolina state champion for his age group.

Amateur Achievements

In 1984, Lamar reached the semifinals of a Junior Olympic tournament. He then won a gold medal at the Palmetto State Games. The next year, he won first place at the same Junior Olympic tournament in Atlanta. This qualified him for the National Junior Olympics.

Lamar won the Southern Golden Gloves title in 1986. He also won the middleweight title in 1987 and 1988. He was named the best boxer of the tournament both years. Lamar reached the semifinals of the 1988 Olympic Trials. He won 175 out of 188 amateur fights. He also claimed five South Carolina Golden Gloves championships.

Lamar graduated from Greenville High School. He also briefly studied electronics engineering at Greenville Technical College.

Professional Boxing Career

Lamar Parks began his professional boxing career on October 4, 1988. He won his first fight against Lennell Stroman. His father was both his manager and trainer. Lamar also worked with his childhood trainer, Silas Epps.

Lamar quickly made a name for himself. He defeated former National Golden Gloves champion Fabian Williams in his fourth professional fight. In his tenth fight, he beat Chris Sande. This was Sande's first professional loss. Lamar had a great start, winning 16 fights in a row.

Winning Titles

On July 6, 1991, Lamar won his first major professional title. He captured the vacant WBC Continental Americas middleweight title. He won this fight in his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina.

Five months later, he won another title. He stopped Donny Giron for the vacant WBC–NABF middleweight title. Lamar's record improved to 20 wins and no losses. He then knocked out two-time Olympian Francisco de Jesus.

In April 1992, Lamar defeated Percy Harris. He kept his NABF belt and won the vacant IBF–USBA middleweight title. At this point, he was ranked among the best middleweights in the world.

Challenging for a World Title

On October 27, 1992, 22-year-old Lamar Parks challenged Reggie Johnson. This was for the WBA middleweight title in Houston. Lamar lost the fight by decision. This was his first professional defeat.

Even after this loss, Lamar continued to win. He won five fights in 1993. This put him in line for another world title fight. He was set to challenge Gerald McClellan for the WBC middleweight title. He was also a top challenger for Roy Jones Jr.'s IBF middleweight title.

Career Ends Unexpectedly

The big fight against Gerald McClellan was planned for March 4, 1994. Lamar moved to Florida to train. However, he had to pull out of the fight for medical reasons. He initially claimed a shoulder injury.

A few days later, Lamar pulled out again. It was revealed that he had tested positive for a serious medical condition. This condition made it unsafe for him to continue boxing. His father later confirmed that Lamar's career was over. Lamar finished his career with an impressive record of 27 wins and only 1 loss, with 21 knockouts.

Lamar Parks was one of several boxers who had to retire due to health issues at that time. His situation brought more attention to health testing in boxing. In 1995, Lamar was reported to be living near Greenville and running a small business.