William Elroy Parker (born January 20, 1877), better known asKid Parker, was an Americanprofessional boxer, physical culturist and promoter ofvegetarianism. He was the first vegetarian boxer.[1][2]
Parker was born on January 20, 1877, inBoston.[3][4] Parker was considered the best boxer inDenver.[5] He had an 18-match undefeated streak.[6] In 1900, he fought a ten-round draw withMatty Matthews.[3] Parker became a vegetarian in 1901.[7] He stated that a strict vegetarian diet increased his physical endurance and increased his mental power.[8] He was the first vegetarian boxer.[3][1]
In April 1902,The Vegetarian Magazine published a letter describing Parker's conversion to vegetarianism.[9] He became known as the "vegetarian champion" and "vegetarian pugilist".[1][9][10][11] Parker's vegetarian diet consisted of cereals, fruit, milk, nuts, vegetables and a liberal amount of eggs.[12][13] In April, 1903 Parker authored an article onphysical culture in theSan Francisco Call, advocating a vegetarian diet for health reasons.[13] He declared he would still be boxing at 35 and live to be 100 years old because he is vegetarian.[13] In 1905, Parker was described as "one of the most gentlemanly fighters in the prize ring today".[14] Parker's wife was also a boxer.[15][16]
Parker's last ring appearance was in 1906.[3] After his boxing career ended Parker was institutionalized in an asylum atNorfolk, Nebraska as he suffered from hallucinations.[17][18] Parker would repeatedly punch the wall in his padded cell so was given boxing gloves to protect his hands.[19]
^Shprintzen, Adam D. (2013).The Vegetarian Crusade: The Rise of an American Reform Movement, 1817-1921. University of North Carolina Press. p. 199.ISBN978-1-4696-0891-4
