Kid Parker

William Elroy Parker (born January 20, 1877), better known as Kid Parker, was an American professional boxer, physical culturist and promoter of vegetarianism. He was the first vegetarian boxer.

Biography

Parker was born on January 20, 1877, in Boston. Parker was considered the best boxer in Denver. He had an 18-match undefeated streak. In 1900, he fought a ten-round draw with Matty Matthews. He stated that a strict vegetarian diet increased his physical endurance and increased his mental power. He was the first vegetarian boxer. He became known as the "vegetarian champion" and "vegetarian pugilist". Parker's vegetarian diet consisted of cereals, fruit, milk, nuts, vegetables and a liberal amount of eggs. In April, 1903 Parker authored an article on physical culture in the San Francisco Call, advocating a vegetarian diet for health reasons. Parker's wife was also a boxer.

Parker's last ring appearance was in 1906. Parker would repeatedly punch the wall in his padded cell so was given boxing gloves to protect his hands.

Selected publications

The Conversion of a Noted Pugilist (1902) Exercises for Women (1903)