WBO No.1 super-middleweight contender Zach Parker is back in action at the weekend and promoter Frank Warren is already anticipating the Derbyshire man’s potential shot at reigning champion Canelo Alvarez.
Parker (20-0, 14 KOs) meets Uzbek veteran Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs) at the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington on Saturday, knowing that victory is essential if he is to close in on an unlikely tilt at Mexican superstar Canelo.
Whether Canelo will still be in possession of the WBO belt by the time Parker’s shot is mandated is another matter. The WBC, WBA Super and WBO champion is tentatively scheduled to face IBF title holder Caleb Plant in September though, with negotiations dragging, the Mexican has even toyed with a move to light-heavyweight to face WBC and IBF king Artur Beterbiev.
“Maybe after Canelo’s September fight [the WBO will order a fight with Parker],” Warren told Sky Sports.
“Zach has always talked about his dream of fighting at Pride Park [Derby County’s football stadium]. Maybe Canelo will be in the opposite corner. Pride Park or the Emirates [Arsenal’s ground], or even the moon! We just want him to get his deserved shot as soon as possible.”
Canelo has previously beaten seven British opponents in world title fights.