John Wayne Parr is a living legend of Muay Thai. Inspired by childhood idol Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Australian pioneer started his martial arts training during his adolescence. However, at 19 years old, he would take the path less traveled and relocate to Thailand. There, he trained extensively with Thai legend Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj and over his 35-year career, he went on to become a 10-time Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion.

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“The Gunslinger,” as he is called, amassed a staggering 99 professional victories, which includes wins over elite opposition such as Yodsanklai Fairtex, Cosmo Alexandre, and Dzhabar Askerov. Also, Parr saw his hand raised in victory in the boxing ring on 11 occasions during a successful foray into “the sweet science.” That run yielded an Australian Middleweight Championship.

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Fittingly, Parr retired from active competition in March 2022. Following a captivating Muay Thai super-fight with former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard Folayang, the emotional Aussie laid his gloves down in the center of the Circle.

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Aside from the fight business, “The Gunslinger” has operated the popular Boonchu Gym on Australia’s Gold Coast since 1999, alongside his wife and fellow retired competitor Angie. The gym has become one of the leading Muay Thai and MMA training facilities in the country. Currently, it’s the home of former ONE World Title challenger Reece “Lightning” McLaren.