Boxer Michael Parsons: “I’m Fired Up And Excited”
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Michael Parsons says it will be the realisation of a long-held dream to have his hand raised aloft at the end of his fight against Jamaican Gregory Miller at The Shed in Dockyard tomorrow.
Parsons last fought in January 2020, losing by points on his professional debut to Canadian Daniel Roach, just a few months before the Covid-19 pandemic began wreaking havoc on the domestic sports scene.
When Bermuda eased out of lockdown and sport on the island resumed, Parsons was further frustrated in his efforts to continue his boxing journey by a string of cancelled bouts.
At 43, Parsons knows the sand at the top of his hourglass, from a boxing perspective, is almost empty and is therefore hoping to experience the satisfaction of victory at least once before he devotes his time to helping the next generation of fighters at Controversy Gym.
“I’ve had to wait a long time for [my second pro fight],” Parsons told Bernews. “I’m fired up and excited.
“At my age, I should really be helping the youngsters coming up. I’ve probably two or three more fights in me.
“The main thing for me is a ‘W’ – a win by any means necessary. It would mean a lot, especially if it was my last fight.”
Southpaw Miller (1-4-0) recorded the first win of his career last month, defeating Canadian Drake Olchowecki by technical knockout in Brampton, Ontario.
Having watched footage of Miller with coach Leo Richardson, Parsons believes he has gained helpful insight into his fighting style.
“He’s not necessarily a technical fighter,” Parsons added. “I’m a bit more technical and balanced. I have no issues fighting southpaws.”
Parsons believes his clean-living lifestyle has enabled him to continue to box professionally and play top-flight football on the island, helping Dandy Town to the Premier Division title and FA Cup last season.
“Boxing is everything to me,” said Parsons, who will be joined on his ring walk by his father, Clarence Parsons, a former boxer, and older brother Turiano Trott.
“I don’t smoke, drink or go out. I live a disciplined life, which has allowed me to continue boxing and playing football for so long.
“I didn’t even drink when Dandy Town won the title! I had a ginger ale and soda. I celebrated my way, and my teammates respect that.”
