Parker-Murdoch Clash For Potential Saunders Bout

By Fight Sports Feb 14, 2020

While we wait to see if Billy Joe Saunders will face Canelo Alvarez or Demetrius Andrade, one clash may determine his next mandatory challenger.

Zach Parker, ranked number one in the WBO Super-Middleweight division, and Rohan Murdock, ranked second, will face off to determine the top contender for Saunders. The fight will take place inside the Manchester Arena in England on Saturday, March 7.

Parker (18-0) is coming off of a TKO-win against Steven Crambert back in mMay. It was his last win via KO since 2018, when he took out Adasat Rodriguez.

“I’m delighted to be fighting Rohan Murdock,” said Parker. “This is the fight where I arrive at the top level. I’ve had to be patient and it’s been very difficult at times, but we are here now. I’m going to put on a great performance and put the big names on notice that I’m coming.”

The man with 12 wins via knockout faces the 27-year-old Murdock (24-1), a man with 17 wins via KO. His last fight was a unanimous decision win over Rolando Wenceslao Mansilla. He ended up winning the vacant WBO Oriental Super-Middleweight Championship. The only loss on his resume was his third professional bout.

“It’s not often that an Australian gets the chance to travel and fight in front of a huge arena crowd,” said Murdock. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity provided by MTK Global and Matchroom Boxing, and I’m excited to soak up the experience. I have a lot of respect for my opponent Zach Parker. Parker is a skilled boxer with fast hands. I know I belong at this level and Parker is the perfect opponent to prove that.

“Fans coming to watch me fight can expect to see a boxer who has dedicated his life to the sport with the vision of securing this opportunity,” Murdock went on to say. “They can expect me to leave absolutely everything in the ring to get the ‘W’ whether that’s using my boxing abilities or making an absolute dog fight, I’ll adapt to whatever is necessary. The Aussie spirit will be on full show.”

Parker v. Murdock joins a card that will feature Scott Quigg v. Jono Carroll as the main event.