Lauren Parker: “I believe I win this fight.”

Lauren Parker: “I believe I win this fight.”

Lauren Parker was one of the lucky ones in 2024, at least in some ways. Parker had two fights in a problematic year for the female side of the sport. Many of her contemporaries weren’t so fortunate. But for the former European super-flyweight champion, it was still nowhere near enough to satisfy her big ambitions. But Parker was nevertheless reflective and level-headed about the previous twelve months.

“It was a bit of an inactive year, more of a ‘tick-over’ period,” Parker says of 2024. “But I always knew bigger things were ahead. So staying active was crucial. I’m constantly in the gym, rarely taking breaks, and I need something to work towards. That meant taking whatever opportunities I could get.

“As a fighter, you live for the big nights, the moments where you get to showcase everything you’ve worked for. Without that, it can be frustrating. But honestly, I love the training, staying in shape, and looking after my health, so it doesn’t get to me too much. Of course, I’d always prefer to have a fight lined up, but I make sure to stay ready regardless.”

“Yes and no,” Parker answered when I asked if she had any thoughts of whether all the hard hours spent in the gym without reward make her ever think if it’s all worth it. “There are times when I’m fully locked in and training hard, regardless of whether a fight is scheduled. But there are also moments when, without that clear goal, it’s easy to justify taking it easy or skipping a session. Ultimately, I remind myself of the bigger picture. Every session is a step toward something greater, and that thought alone keeps me going.

“That thought has definitely crossed my mind, especially when there’s uncertainty. When you’re putting in so much work with no clear reward, you can’t help but wonder, “What’s the point?” But I’m determined to prove to that little girl I once was that quitting isn’t an option. If you stay committed to what you love and believe in your ability, the right opportunities will come.”

But everything seems to have worked out for Parker. Her hopes of bigger things ahead have seemingly come true. “On April 4th, I’ll be fighting Emma Dolan at York Hall for the British and Commonwealth titles. It’s also my debut on GBM and DAZN, so it’s a massive moment in my career. My manager, Steve Goodwin, always told me that sometimes you just have to be patient and wait for your moment. This is mine.”

“I believe so,” Parker says if the fight with the unbeaten Dolan can take her career to another level. “This fight determines who’s the best in Britain at super-flyweight. I’ve already won a European title, and my next step would ideally be a world title shot. I’m not looking past April 4th. That would be a mistake, but I have big ambitions, and winning this fight would definitely put me on the right path.”

Emma Dolan has taken away the unbeaten records of Nicola Hopewell and Shannon Ryan in recent times, and Parker is under no illusions about the quality of the fighter that she will face next month. But is equally confident of what she brings to the table.

“Emma’s a good fighter, and I have no bad words to say about her. She’s earned her success and hasn’t had an easy route. Beating Nicola and Shannon is impressive. Those are names that most boxing fans recognise. I know she doesn’t see this as a 50/50 fight, and that’s fine. We’ll find out the reality on April 4th.

“What many people might not realise is that I’ve also shared the ring with quality opponents, even if they aren’t the most widely recognised names. Take my European title fight against Giuseppina Di Stefano. She was tough, and at the time, her only loss had been to the former EBU champion, Stephanie Silva.

“In 2024, my two tick-over fights came with challenges of their own. Both opponents had a significant weight advantage over me. I gave away 10 lbs in one fight and 8 lbs in the other. My bout against Kira Carter ended in a third-round stoppage. She’s faced some well-known fighters and has two stoppage losses on her record, and I was the quickest to get the job done. I have two TKO wins on my record, proving that when the opportunity comes, I can finish fights.”

The impressive resume of Dolan doesn’t stop Parker from firmly believing that she will be the fighter to take away the unbeaten record from her opponent.

“I’m very confident,” Parker told FightPost. “If I didn’t believe I could win, I wouldn’t be in this position. I have full trust in the work I put in with my coach, Paul Webber, and my mindset is on a completely different level, I believe I win this fight.

“A win would open doors I’ve never experienced, both inside and outside of boxing. More than anything, I hope it brings recognition for the years of hard work I’ve put into this sport.”