Two weight world champion Demetrius Andrade has again pulled out from his ordered WBO super-middleweight interim title bout with Zach Parker. Andrade (31-0) will now seek other alternatives to progress his career however has left Parker (22-0) of the UK incredibly frustrated. The original contest was scheduled for May of this year with Queensberry Promotions (Frank Warren) being successful with a purse bid of $1,834,050 in comparison to Matchroom Boxing’s bid (Promoter of Andrade, Eddie Hearn) of $1,750,000. Andrade hand selected Parker to be his debut fight at 168lbs following successful reigns at 154lbs and 160lbs, this was seen as an alternative than fighting his mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly.
The original May contest saw Andrade being forced to withdraw due to shoulder injury which then saw the WBO attempt to enforce a mandatory fight at 160lbs with Janibek of whom at this stage was an interim world title holder with the WBO for the 160lb strap. Andrade vacated his title during August in exchange for another opportunity at 168lbs with Parker again selected by Andrade and the WBO. Purse bids on the 22nd of September saw Queensberry Promotions emerge successful with a much smaller winning bid in comparison to the original agreement with a bid of $305,000. Written confirmation was due from Andrade that he would proceed with the contest with Parker however Andrade has decided with withdraw and pursue other opportunities.
Zach Parker spoke to boxingscene.com and couldn't hide his frustration but was grateful for having the team around him look for other opportunities for himself. The WBO could call for a new opponent for Parker to face for an interim title or enforce his #1 ranking within the WBO 168lb rankings which would see him become mandatory challenger for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
“I never bad mouth any fighter. I very rarely speak but this is not right and I feel my career bas been badly stalled,” Parker told BoxingScene.com. “I’m very lucky to have Frank Warren, (manager) Neil Marsh and Black Country Boxing behind me because I’m ready to go. This won’t prevent me from getting where I’m going.
“Demetrius Andrade knew he would get knocked clean out and he was the perfect fight for progress to become world champion. I look forward to fighting in November and delivering a big performance for all my fans and team.”
