Craig Parker Removed from WBA Rankings
Craig Parker, an undefeated American boxer with a striking record of 20 wins—each by knockout, has unexpectedly been removed from the World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight rankings, despite never having lost a match. This surprising decision comes just a month after the WBA ranked Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned professional fighter, at number fourteen, pushing Parker aside. As of August, Parker is no longer listed in the organization’s top fifteen, raising questions and concerns about the WBA’s ranking policies and credibility.
Controversy Surrounding Rankings
Parker had previously been vocal about the inclusion of Paul, who continues to hold his position on the rankings despite having a relatively unimpressive fight history, primarily against retired mixed martial artists and less prominent fighters. Jake Paul is scheduled to face Gervonta Davis in an exhibition match this November, further questioning why he remains ranked, while Parker—a legitimate contender—has been dismissed.
Adding to this controversy is the ranking of Giovanni Cristian Scuderi, an Italian fighter with a record of 12 wins (only five by knockout) against notably weak opposition, who still sits at number thirteen. This situation continues to highlight the disparity between marketability and actual boxing merit within the WBA’s framework.
Implications for the Future
At the top of the WBA cruiserweight rankings are champions such as Gilberto Ramirez (WBA “Super” champion and WBO champion), along with Badou Jack (WBC champion) and Jai Opetaia (IBF champion). For Parker and other deserving contenders, this recent move seems to signal a shift towards favoring marketable names over deserving athletes who have earned their spots through performance.
The decision has not gone unnoticed, and World Boxing News is looking to gather Parker’s perspective on this troubling development. The implications of this ranking system could shape the future for many aspiring boxers within the organization, emphasizing the need for the WBA to reaffirm its commitment to fairness and legitimacy in boxing rankings.
About the Author
As an established boxing journalist with more than 15 years of experience, Phil Jay has been at the forefront of combat sport reporting, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News.
