Unbeaten British super middleweight Zach Parker, who secured WBO mandatory challenger status last March, has officially joined forces with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
He’ll kick off the partnership against TBA on the March 26th Akeem Ennis-Brown vs. Sam Maxwell card.
The 26-year-old Parker (19-0, 13 KO) has struggled with inactivity, fighting just twice since a 2018 British title-winning split decision over Darryll Williams in which he injured his shoulder early and subsequently required surgery. His sole 2019 effort saw him wipe out Steven Crambert, after which he stopped Rohan Murdock in a final eliminator on the Jono Carroll-Scott Quigg undercard.
There is, of course, no telling when he’ll actually get his shot. Barring the upset of all upsets this coming Saturday, reigning champion Billy Joe Saunders has a May 8th date with Canelo Alvarez, and whoever wins that will presumably pursue a unification clash with IBF champion Caleb Plant. If dueling mandatory obligations lead to someone vacating the belt, Parker would presumably fight #2 Daniel Jacobs.
“To sign with Frank Warren, one of the biggest promoters in the world, I am obviously buzzing about it,” said Parker on the link-up. “I want to get active in 2021 having only fought once in the last 18 months and I think this is the best move I can go with, to be with Frank and BT Sport.
“Hopefully we can go all the way to the top together and get a world title. I would go for any of the world champions.
“I am just looking forward to what 2021 brings.
“A lot of people say I have come under the radar, but I have come up from the bottom and worked my way up the hard way without a massive promoter. Now it makes it all a lot sweeter to have such huge backing and it will make things a lot easier for me and the team.
“After an extremely frustrating 2020, I terminated my Agreement with my former promoter. I am currently ranked number one by the WBO in the very exciting Super-Middleweight division and have been for a year. In order to push on and secure a mandatory challenge, I need to stay active and I have to defend my International title in order to preserve my status.
“I am extremely delighted and excited to be given the opportunity to join the Queensberry team and showcase my talents on BT Sport’s platform and get the chance to put myself in the shop window for a world title challenge. I am looking forward to working with Frank Warren who has a proven track record for delivering for his boxers.
“Along with my manager Neil Marsh I now have a team to guide me into the next chapter of my journey and secure me a world title. That chapter starts on 26th March in London.”