The Fighter: The Legendary Life of an Australian Champion

by 'John' Wayne Parr, Jarrod Boyle

The Fighter is the compelling life story of Australian Muay Thai legend 'John' Wayne Parr - a fighter's odyssey full of twists, turns, world titles, personal challenges and triumphs.

Hailed as a legend in the fighting world, ten-time Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion 'John' Wayne Parr knew ever since The Karate Kid came out that he wanted to learn a martial art.

From then, Wayne trained in diverse styles including taekwondo and kickboxing as his family moved around Australia. He eventually settled on Muay Thai, seduced by its paradox of violence balanced against the romance of tradition and culture.

Muay Thai took Wayne around the world in a career that spanned almost 150 fights. And there were triumphs beyond his multiple wins too, like meeting his wife and starting a family. But amid the thrills of achieving championship status, Wayne also faced challenges brought on by taking his body to the very edge, as well as a series of personal struggles.

This is the story of a man who knows what it is to test himself, physically and mentally, and the life lessons he learnt along the way, all told with Wayne's characteristic sense of humour.

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2024

Reviews

[Gareth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the Audiobook version of the book. I found it to be an enjoyable story telling the tale of a Muay Thai legend and trail-blazing ‘farang’. It has a bit about his early years as his family moved regularly to find work and also goes into the beginnings of his journey in martial arts. There’s quite a lot of detail about many of the fights he has had in his career including a lot of fight camp stories. It was very interesting to hear many of the difficulties that he had in the run up to fights and how he overcame them. Other anecdotes include training GSP, overcoming lots of injuries, lots of fights: including vs Yodsanklai, Orono, Zambidis, family tales and his formative Muay Thai years in Thailand including a number of King’s Birthday show fights. If you’re in to Muay Thai then this book is definitely a great read. If you like martial arts or fighting sports in general then the book would also be highly recommended.

[James Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book have always loved John Parr and his story great to hear how his career and life happened chapter by chapter. The book was made perfectly short chapters with a lot of information in each so you can pick up and read a chapter or two within ten minutes and is written in order no jumping back and fourth. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys combat sports or just a great story in general

[David C · Rating 5 out of 5]

You think that you know JWP’s stories from IG but this book provides so much more depth. I took my time reading it because I wanted to savour every last new detail. I’ve enjoyed training Muay Thai for years now, but after reading this book I want to make a pilgrimage to Boonchu gym to train with this legend and hear more straight from the horse’s mouth.

[Matt Whitmell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a massive JWP fan. Had the pleasure to train with him in Hong Kong. So great to hear some of the background and stories.

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read
Having already been a fan of John Wayne Parr and Muay Thai itself this book was right up my alley.

[Alice Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I knew about him I’ve always loved John Wayne Parr and after this book I’m a bigger fan. What a great story. Thank you for sharing your experiences, knowledge and love for Muay Thai.

[Marc Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and unique story of a true Martial Artist.

[William Wagstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome to hear of an aussie muay thai legends life and fighting experience. great humour too he is a an icon and inspiration