Demetrius Andrade To Face Zach Parker for Canelo Alvarez Fight Opportunity
3Kings Boxing previously reported that Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (31-0, 19 KOs) has decided to vacate the WBO middleweight title and move to the super middleweight division. The plan is for the two-division world champ to face WBO number one ranked super middleweight Zach Parker (22-0, 16 KOs) for the WBO Interim super middleweight title.
On January 28, the sanctioning body released a statement in which they ordered a match between the two. They are rendering both parties a ten-day window to come to terms on a deal. If Andrade and Parker can’t agree to terms, a purse bid will be ordered.
TAKING A RISK
In November of 2021, the sanctioning body ordered Andrade to defend the WBO 160 pound belt against Janibek Alimkhanuly. But he has eyes on fighting undisputed super middleweight champion “Canelo” Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs). So, Andrade has decided to put his boxing chips on the table by looking to move up in weight, win the interim title, and become a mandatory challenger for Alvarez.
It’s a calculated gamble for the talented southpaw. But at age 34, he can’t waste any more time. Andrade has been chasing Alvarez for years and is frustrated by his inability to get him in the ring at middleweight and junior middleweight. The two even got into a heated verbal exchange following Canelo’s stoppage win over Billy Joe Saunders in May of 2021.
Unfortunately, the Mexican superstar has shown no interest in the fight. So, Andrade hopes to use the mandatory status to force the match.
Will the plan work? That largely depends on Alvarez, who could instead vacate the WBO 168 pound title. Should that occur, does it signal that the most visible fighter in the sport is ducking “Boo Boo”? As always, stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for future updates.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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