Muay Thai legend John Wayne Parr recently shared details about his experience training and sparring with former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre.
Both Parr, known throughout his career as `The Gunslinger,` and St-Pierre, widely referred to as `Rush,` forged incredible legacies in their respective combat sports. St-Pierre became a two-division titleholder in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, while Parr captured an impressive ten world championships in the art of eight limbs.
Throughout his distinguished professional career, Parr engaged in notable sparring sessions with figures like Joe Rogan, participated in the reality show *The Contender: Asia*, and delivered numerous action-packed bouts at the renowned Lumpinee Stadium in Thailand. However, his journey to Canada to train with a fellow icon of the fighting world remains a particularly cherished memory for him.
John Wayne Parr Recalls the Enjoyable Time Sparring Georges St-Pierre
In 2013, John Wayne Parr visited Montreal, Canada, spending time at the famous Tristar Gym. His purpose was to assist Georges St-Pierre in refining his striking skills in preparation for upcoming fights.
During this period, these two prominent figures in combat sports history worked closely together, engaging in high-level sparring exchanges that Parr remembers fondly.
Recounting the sessions, Parr stated:
“They were so much fun. Georges was such a great training partner. Everything I showed him Muay Thai-wise, he was so appreciative. He took everything on board.
“When me and Georges had been training approximately a week together, we went to New York, John Danaher pulled me aside and said, ‘I’m really quite surprised at the amount of improvements Georges has had’.
“He was really cracking the pads hard, using his footwork, slipping in and out, we were getting ready for Johny Hendricks, so we were using lots of southpaw counters. So, I think John Danaher was very impressed.
“It was so much fun. Georges was so cool to hang around with, and his appreciation of everything I was showing him, he was really a martial artist.
“You think he’s a superstar, but in the gym, he’s just one of the boys. He’s so humble and respectful. It was really surprising how nice he was.”
John Wayne Parr`s Life After Competition and Future Sparring Interests
Having achieved immense success and firmly established his legacy in the ring, John Wayne Parr has retired from competitive combat sports with nothing left to prove.
However, despite ending his competitive career, his passion for Muay Thai remains as strong as ever.
The 48-year-old now dedicates his time to coaching and mentoring the next generation of fighters at his gym, Boonchu Gym, located in Queensland, Australia.
While his time competing under the bright lights is complete, Parr expressed that he would still be interested in sparring with other legendary figures from the world of martial arts.
