Letchworth Garden City has a new European boxing champion.
Lauren Parker claimed the belt following a 10-round battle with Italian Giuseppina Di Stefano to secure the EBU European Super Fly weight title at York Hall, London.
The 32-year-old showed her skill, grit and determination to add the European strap to the IBO Inter-Continental super-flyweight belt she won in October 2022.
Parker, who has recovered from spinal surgery in February, said: "It feels incredible to be European champion. I've been boxing for a long time now and have sacrificed so much to achieve in this sport so I am on top of the world because the hard work has paid off.
"I think this win is even sweeter as I've had a tough year with the surgery and then the six month recovery and I was unsure if I would ever box again.
"To come back after such a low and finish the year on an incredible high is the cherry on top and the best Christmas present."
More than 250 people travelled from Hertfordshire to support the former Knights Templar School Baldock pupil on the night.
"I couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere for my first fight back after 14 months out, it was amazing," said the ex-Stevenage Boxing Club fighter.
"It was the biggest support I have had to date, the roof was lifted and it absolutely blew me away."
Of the fight itself, Parker said: "I knew Giuseppina Di Stefano was going to be a difficult opponent and it was going to be a bit of a war.
"She was tough and could pack a punch for sure, however my overall skill as a boxer shone through. My punch accuracy, defence and movement won me the fight.
"I'm happy with the performance, however there is always room for improvement.
"I know I have so many more gears and levels to show and feel this will shine through when I get a good run of fights instead of set backs.
"It’s hard to say exactly what’s next, however I believe I will only be involved in big fights going forward.
"It could be a defence of my European title or possibly a shot at a world title.
"Ultimately it comes down to meeting with my coaching/management team and weighing everything up to decide which route is best.
"Special thanks to my major sponsors making this fight happen on UK soil, thank you to New Era Fuels, Professional boxer Ebanie Bridges, JC Parker Installations, CEC Electrical, Look Logos printing and embroidery, RawSport, First Choice Scaffolding, Sharon Gregson sports masseuse, Wentworth Kitchens, Future Financial Solutions, GMS Security, Reflection beauty and aesthetics, music producer Mitchell Parker, MJM Research and Development, Miss Green Fingers Cafe and 1st Folding Sliding Doors."
You can follow Parker's career on Instagram @laurenparkerboxer.
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