Demetrius Andrade forced to withdraw from the match against Zach Parker due to shoulder injury

By: Hans Themistode

For many years in a row, Demetrius Andrade has been trying to entice Canelo Alvarez in the ring. After failing at 154 and 160 pounds, the former world doubles title runner believes he’s devised a bulletproof plan.

The Rhode Island native and former Olympic athlete reluctantly gave up the WBO middleweight title and made the eight-pound trek north. On May 21, at Pride Park in the UK, Andrade was set to make his super-middleweight debut against Zach Parker. On the string, is the temporarily vacated WBO strip, placing the winner at the top of the table for the full title winner, Canelo Alvarez.

Unfortunately for Andrade, his 168-pound ride will have to wait. As first reported by ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, Andrade recently suffered a shoulder injury during training camp. With an MRI scan scheduled for later today, Andrade will be briefed on his immediate recovery options.

For England’s Parker, the news of Andrade’s injury was painful. After consecutive years of inactivity in 2019 and 2020, where Parker only stepped foot in the ring once a year, the 27-year-old has had a memorable 2021 for himself. Parker would go on to not only win all three of his games, but the super-middleweight contender did so before the final bell rang.

With Parker on his way to his own world championship chance, he was pleasantly surprised by the match against Andrade. While he has full respect for what the former two-division belt has to offer, Parker is confident in his ability to pull back an upset victory.

However, despite his overwhelming belief in himself, Parker will be forced to wait.