Demetrius Andrade Officially Moving Up to 168 to Face Zach Parker
At long last, there seems to be some clarity for two-division world champion Demetrius Andrade (31-0, 19 KOs). 3Kings Boxing learned that he plans to vacate the WBO middleweight strap. He also sent a request to the sanctioning body for a fight with current WBO number one ranked super middleweight Zach Parker (22-0, 16 KOs) for the Interim belt at 168-pounds.
The WBO approved his request and ordered negotiations for an Andrade – Parker bout. A September 2 deadline has been given for the two parties to negotiate a deal, or the fight will go to a purse bid. It’s the second attempt to make a fight between Andrade and Parker. Originally, they were to fight in May 2022, but Andrade withdrew due to a shoulder injury. Upon hearing the word on Andrade’s recent decision, Parker went to social media with the following post:
Many fans will view this move as “Boo Boo” avoiding a fight with the WBO Interim 160-pound champ, Janibek Alimkhanuly (12-0, 8 KOs). Andrade recently was ordered to fight the hard-hitting southpaw, who has been vocal about his desire to face him. The assumption is that Alimkhanuly will be elevated to a full champ.
A POLARIZING FIGHTER
Andrade is one of the slickest fighters in the sport. One can argue the Rhode Island native has been avoided by the best at 160 and 168. But he’s also an enigma. There have been too many long stretches of inactivity. Plus, he fights in a style that many pundits consider overly cautious. Boo Boo has been unable to land a high-profile, big-money fight. As a result, he was given the boot by Matchroom Promotions earlier this year.
Yet still, Andrade could breathe some life at super middleweight. His goal is a fight with undisputed champ Canelo Alvarez, but that seems farfetched right now. But, there are other fights for him like WBC Interim champ David Benavidez, ex-IBF champ Caleb Plant and ex-WBC champion Anthony Dirrell.
At age 34, time is wasting away. If Demetrius Andrade is to get big fights and plans on making any major moves, the time to do so is now.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
