Zach Parker has his sights set on Super Middleweight supremacy as the undefeated former British Champion looks to earn his first World Title shot when he takes on Australia’s Rohan Murdock this Saturday, March 7th at the Manchester Arena, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.
 
Parker (18-0, 12 KOs), ranked No.2 with the WBO, says he is in the shape of his life ahead of his crunch clash with the WBO No.1 Murdock (24-1, 17 KOs). The 25-year-old is relishing a return to Manchester, where he has previously enjoyed success, and is adamant his name will top the 168 lbs pile after March 7th.
 
“This has been the best camp I’ve ever had,” said the Derbyshire boxer. “I’m flying. All my gears are going and I can’t wait to get in there. I’m ready to rock and roll. I’ve had a longer camp this time and I’m in tremendous shape. I’ve been doing some different bag drills and a lot more sparring for this one.
 
“We’ve had former WBA World Champion Giovanni De Carolis over. It’s been great having someone with that kind of experience. I’ve also been sparring Jason Welborn, Lennox Clarke, Kieran Conway, and a couple of amateurs as well, so I’ve been mixing it up with different lads and different styles.
 
“I love the Manchester crowd. The stadium is always electric. This is where I fought Adasat Rodriguez on the Groves-Eubank undercard and knocked him out in the second round. It’s going to be good fighting back there again and hopefully I can get another stoppage win to make it two out of two.
 
“I’ve watched a bit of Murdock but I don’t really watch a lot of my opponents. I usually just concentrate on what I’m doing because every fight is different. He will probably bring a different game plan into this fight so I’ll be ready for whatever style he brings. I expect this to be my hardest fight so far but I’m ready to go. He’s won 24 out of 25 so you know it’s going to be a good fight.
 
“This is the most important fight of my career so far. He’s number one and I’m number two. We’re both going to go at it to see who can come out on top and get a shot at the title. I’m 100% confident I will be number one after March 7th.”
 
If successful, Parker will be eyeing a shot at the reigning WBO World Champion Billy Joe Saunders, an all British-showdown he says he would happily accept along with a clash with any of the division’s other top names including Callum Smith and Caleb Plant, or a mega-fight with Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who is rumoured to be boxing Saunders for the WBO belt in May.
 
“Billy Joe Saunders is definitely on my radar,” says Parker. “He’s a good fighter. He’s been there and done it. A two-weight World Champion. That’s the type of fight I want against top-level opposition. I would be open to fighting any of the big names. For me, it’s between Caleb Plant and Callum Smith for who’s best in the division. Callum Smith didn’t look too good against John Ryder, he looked a bit iffy, so I would have to go with Caleb Plant, but I would fight either.
 
“If Canelo decides to fight Saunders then he could be next for me. That’s the kind of fight you come into boxing for. Fighting under the big lights over in America. That’s a fight I would love and I think I would cause some problems for Canelo because of my awkward style. That’s 100% a fight I would love.”
 
Parker vs. Murdock is part of a huge night of action in Manchester.
 
Main event sees Scott Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) take on Jono Carroll (17-1-1, 3 KOs) in an exciting Super-Featherweight matchup, Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs) returns as he looks to fight his way back into title action in 2020, Liverpool Super-Welterweight talent Anthony Fowler (11-1, 8 KOs) continues his hunt for a rematch with Scott Fitzgerald, Sheffield Super-Lightweight starlet Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) looks to go 5-0, Bolton’s Jack Cullen (17-2, 8 KOs) returns after his FOTY contender with Felix Cash, ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati (6-0, 4 KO’s) makes his UK debut in a Welterweight contest, Ricky Hatton-trained Super-Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (1-0) looks to impress and there’s action for Oldham Lightweight Aqib Fiaz (4-0) and Liverpool Super-Flyweight Blane Hyland (2-0), with more fights to be announced soon.
 
Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase now via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Zach Parker and Rohan Murdock, the No.1 and No.2 ranked Super-Middleweights with the WBO, will clash at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, with the winner eyeing a shot a reigning World Champion Billy Joe Saunders.
 
Undefeated British Super-Middleweight Champion Parker (18-0, 12 KOs) returns to the ring following his stoppage win over Steven Crambert at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow while Australia’s Murdock (24-1, 7 KOs) fights in the UK for the first time after his WBO Oriental Title win over Rolando Wenceslao.
 
“I’m delighted to be fighting Rohan Murdock,” said Parker. “This is the fight where I arrive at the top level. I’ve had to be patient and it’s been very difficult at times, but we are here now. I’m going to put on a great performance and put the big names on notice that I’m coming.
 
“I’d personally like to thank my manager Neil Marsh, my coach Errol Johnson and the rest of my team. I’d also like to thank the Sauerland brothers for delivering this fantastic opportunity, and Eddie and Matchroom Boxing for staging the fight. Enjoy the fight everyone.”
 
“It’s not often that an Australian gets the chance to travel and fight in front of a huge arena crowd,” said Murdock. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity provided by MTK Global and Matchroom Boxing, and I’m excited to soak up the experience.
 
“I have a lot of respect for my opponent Zach Parker. Parker is a skilled boxer with fast hands. I know I belong at this level and Parker is the perfect opponent to prove that.
 
“Fans coming to watch me fight can expect to see a boxer who has dedicated his life to the sport with the vision of securing this opportunity. They can expect me to leave absolutely everything in the ring to get the ‘W’ whether that’s using my boxing abilities or making an absolute dog fight, I’ll adapt to whatever is necessary. The Aussie spirit will be on full show.”
 
Nisse Sauerland, Parker’s promoter, said: “This is the opportunity Zach has been waiting for and one he is going to take with both hands. We’re very happy to be working with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing to place this fight on a great card at the Manchester Arena. Rohan Murdock is a good fighter deserving of his ranking, but this is Zach’s time to shine. We expect him to steal the show and then the World Title is next!”
 
“I firmly believe Zach Parker is one of the best prospects in the UK right now but patience has had to be shown to secure the right opportunity and this is here right now,” said Neil Marsh, Parker’s manager. “Zach will shine at the Manchester Arena on 7th March.”
 
Parker vs. Murdock is part of a huge night of action in Manchester.
 
Main event sees Scott Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) take on Jono Carroll (17-1-1, 3 KOs) in an exciting Super-Featherweight matchup, Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs) returns as he looks to fight his way back into title action in 2020, Liverpool Super-Welterweight talent Anthony Fowler (11-1, 8 KOs) continues his hunt for a rematch with Scott Fitzgerald, Sheffield Super-Lightweight starlet Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) looks to go 5-0, Bolton’s Jack Cullen (17-2, 8 KOs) returns after his FOTY contender with Felix Cash, ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati (6-0, 4 KO’s) makes his UK debut in a Welterweight contest, Ricky Hatton-trained Super-Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (1-0) looks to impress and there’s action for Oldham Lightweight Aqib Fiaz (4-0) and Liverpool Super-Flyweight Blane Hyland (2-0), with more fights to be announced soon.
 
Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase now via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com). 

Naoya Inoue made his case as one of the top fighters in the world by destroying previously undefeated Emmanuel Rodriguez in two rounds to retain his WBA and win the IBF Bantamweight title. In the process, Inoue advances to the final of the World Boxing Super Series where he will meet Nonito Donaire.

Inoue dropped Rodriguez three times in the 2nd round. The 1st was a booming right, and the final two were body shots. Rodriguez got to his feet, but with a bloody nose, the referee wisely waved off the bout at 1:19.

Inoue of Japan is now 18-0 with 16 knockouts. Rodriguez of Puerto Rico is 19-1.

Former world champion Paul Butler stopped Salvador Hernandez Sanchez in round six of their scheduled eight-round bantamweight bout.

Butler dominated the fight and dropped Sanchez with a left hook to the body in the 6th round that put Hernandez down for the count at 2:52.

Butler of England is now 29-2 with 15 knockouts. Sanchez of Mexico is 14-9-1.

Zach Parker remained undefeated by stopping Steven Cramber in round four of their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

The bout was stopped after a barrage of punches at 2:47 for Parker, who is now 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Crambert of France is 8-5.

Lee McGregor went the distance for the 1st but won an easy decision over Brett Fidoe in a bantamweight bout.

McGregor of Scotland won by 60-54 scores and is now 6-0. Fidoe of England is 13-51-5.

Reece McFadden won a four-round decision over Georgi Georgiev in a super bantamweight fight.

Scores were 40-36 for McFadden who is 3-0. Gerogiev is 7-15-1.

British Super Middleweight Champion Zach Parker (17-0, 11 KOs) returns to the ring on May 18 to face Steven Crambert (8-4, 4 KOs) on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Semi-Finals at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.

Parker has been out of action since suffering a shoulder injury during his British title win over Darryll Williams in November, but having undergone surgery and completed his rehabilitation, the 24 year-old is ready to renew his World title charge starting with an eight-round clash against Crambert.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring after my long lay out. I’ve been itching to get back under those lights and to give the fans a good performance,” he said.

“My shoulder is feeling great. I’ve had top rehab and physio with Jamie Murphy at Jam Physio. It’s been a long road to recovery but it’s all good now. I’ve been back sparring and I feel like I’ve been getting stronger after every session.

“I’ve seen a bit of Crambert and he looks like a tough opponent. He’s very game so it should make for a good fight for everyone, but after May 18, I want the big fights. I want to be stepped up as soon as possible.

“I feel like I can compete with the top names in the division. I’m ranked number 5 with the WBA and WBO, and 7 with the IBF, so I’m not far from a World title now. Everyone else up there is 30 or coming up to 30, and I’m only 24 and still young and fresh. All I need is a chance and I’ll take it with both hands.”

Parker joins a huge night of action in Glasgow with Josh Taylor vs. Ivan Baranchyk and Naoya Inoue vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez in the World Boxing Super Series Semi-Finals. Tickets are available from TheSSEHydro.com

Zach Parker suffered a dislocated left shoulder and tears to his rotator cuff, labrum and subscapularis during his British title win over Darryll Williams on November 3 at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, and will undergo surgery this week to repair the damage.

Parker sustained the injury at the end of the second round and was forced to box with one arm for the remainder of the contest as he edged out Williams in a competitive fight to claim the Lonsdale belt via split decision.

“The pain was awful,” said Parker. “I’ve never felt anything like it before, but with the guidance of my trainers Errol Johnson and Paul Mann, I grit my teeth, kept my calm and boxed smart.

“There was never any question I would quit. That’s not in my nature. Obviously, it was killing me, but I couldn’t pull out of the fight of my life. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and I wasn’t going to give it up.

“Considering I only had one arm and I was limited to what I could throw, I was pleased with my performance. I couldn’t throw combinations like I wanted to. I had to be smart and know when to stand and fight and when to move.”

Parker’s treatment and rehabilitation will be overseen by leading UK shoulder specialist Len Funk and former Manchester City physio Jamie Murphy.

The 24 year-old is expected to be out of action until April next year, but has already stated he is happy to give Williams a rematch when he returns.

“Most definitely,” says Parker. “I told Williams after the fight we should have a rematch because it was really close. It would be another good fight for the fans and this time I would be 100 percent with two hands.”

A sentiment shared by his manager Neil Marsh, who said: “We have absolutely no issue giving Williams a rematch. Zach Parker is an elite level fighter. It was a very close fight with one hand, but with two hands, there’ll be no question.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland has praised Parker’s bravery and says he is proud for the Derbyshire man to become Team Sauerland’s first British Champion.

“Zach showed a real warrior’s heart on Saturday in Glasgow,” said Sauerland. “To fight the way he did with only one arm was impressive. Even more so now we know the extent of the damage. I’m extremely proud of his performance and proud of him becoming Team Sauerland’s first British Champion.”

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Josh Taylor dominated and stopped Ryan Martin to advance to the semifinals of the World Boxing Super Series at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland.

Taylor dominated the fight by focusing on the body with both hands.  Martin did not offer much resistance as he continued to take a pounding round after round.   In round four, Martin began to have swelling around the right eye.  He began to bleed from around the left eye in round six.

In round seven, Taylor landed a hard left that froze Martin into the ropes.  Taylor followed with a hard combination and the fight was stopped as Martin fell to the canvas at 2:21.

Taylor of Scotland is 14-0 with 12 knockouts.  Martin of Tennessee is 22-1.

Nonito Donaire stopped Ryan Burnett after round four after Burnett hurt his back to win the WBA Bantamweight title.

In round four, Burnett threw a right hurt and grabbed his back before taking a knee.  Donaire was all over Burnett for the final 30 seconds of the round.  After the round, Burnett could not continue.

The official time was one second of round five. Burnett left ringside on a stretcher.

Donaire, who will now face Zolani Tete in the semifinals of the World Boxing Super Series is now 39-5 with 25 stoppages.  Burnett is 19-1.

Zach Parker won a 12-round split decision over Daryll Williams in a super middleweight bout.

Williams appeared to outwork Parker, but it was Parker who took cards 117-112 and 115-114. Williams won a card 115-113.

Parker, 167.9 lbs is 17-0. Williams, 167.6 is 17-1.

Former bantamweight champion Paul Butler decisioned Yoan Boyeaux over 10-rounds.

Butler, 118 lbs of England won by a 99-91 score and is now 27-2. Boyeaux, 117.9 lbs of France is 41-6.