It had been eight months since Fight For It last brought live combat action to the historic Grady Cole Center, and the return didn’t disappoint. The night’s final kickboxing bout — a heavyweight title clash between James Parks and Deondre Williamson — was everything a championship fight should be: technical, gritty, and fueled by heart. When the dust settled after five punishing rounds, it was James Parks, once again, who stood tall as the Fight For It Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion.
The bout began as a chess match between two powerful men who could end the fight with a single strike. Parks came in looking sharper than ever — calm, calculated, and far more technical than in his previous outings. Williamson, to his credit, kept the pace high and forced Parks to make adjustments early. As the rounds went on, Parks’ composure became his greatest weapon. He managed distance well, landed his signature overhand right and right hook repeatedly, and showed the fluid movement of a much lighter fighter. “He moves like a welterweight,” one commentator said, “and that’s what makes him so dangerous at heavyweight.”
By the fourth round, Parks appeared to take a more conservative approach — saving energy for the championship round — while Williamson searched for a momentum shift. That moment nearly came in the fifth, when DeAndre landed a stunning head kick that briefly shook Parks and drew a roar from the crowd. But Parks’ response was the mark of a true champion: he steadied himself, fired back, and closed strong. Both men emptied their gas tanks in the final seconds, swinging for legacy. When the scorecards were read — a split decision — the Grady Cole Center erupted as James Parks was crowned the winner once more.
It was a redemption story wrapped in resilience. Parks, who had once held the heavyweight crown before, reclaimed it by showing improvement in every area — cleaner footwork, sharper timing, and better pacing. “That’s the James Parks that won the belt the first time,” said commentary, “but now he’s even scarier.” With this victory, Parks not only recaptured his title but reminded everyone in attendance that the heavyweight division still runs through him.
For Williamson, the performance was a testament to toughness and heart, earning him equal respect from fans and peers. For Parks, it was confirmation: the king is back, sharper and hungrier than ever, proving that time away only made him more dangerous.