ZACH PARKER is focusing on a transfer to light-heavyweight in 2024, a division wherein he was near signing for a huge alternative on the December 23 card in Saudi Arabia.
“I got offered the [Dmitry] Bivol fight but they went with Lyndon Arthur,” Parker informed Boxing News. “It was literally going through my lawyers, about to get signed, but it slipped away. It’d have been a nice Christmas present.”
Despite being hit by a variety of rapid-fire combos and happening within the 11th spherical, Arthur toughed it out. The Mancunian heard the ultimate bell however misplaced 120-107 on all three scorecards. Parker, in the meantime, has solely competed within the light-heavyweight class in bouts over 4, six and eight rounds.
Known for his work at 168lbs, Parker suffered disappointment in his most high-profile bout up to now, when a damaged proper hand noticed him pulled out after 4 rounds towards John Ryder in November 2022. Parker hasn’t dominated out one other run at a super-middleweight belt however accepts he’s slipped down the pecking order. “I see [David] Benavidez as the top guy at super-middleweight at the minute,” he stated. “Obviously, Canelo’s got all of the belts [and] he’s going to do his own thing.”
Parker remains to be upbeat about his future. He eased again to motion in September 2023 when, weighing 172lbs, he stopped Khalid Graidia in seven rounds. The 29-year-old, 23-1 (17), may combat in Birmingham in March.
“I would like large fights now. I’ve stated to my group I would like at the least high 10 [opponents]. I don’t wish to wait round anymore. I’m 30 subsequent yr, I wish to push on. I wish to get a large title below my belt after which compete with the large boys.
“There’s some big fights at light-heavyweight. There’s [Anthony] Yarde. I’ll have any of them. I’m massive for super-middle as it is but I’m gonna go where the money is, where the big fights are.”
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