PARK AND RYDE ALL THE WAY FOR A WORLD TITLE SHOT AGAINST CANELO

ZACH PARKER claims it is “mad” to think he will be in line for a shot at Saul Canelo Alvarez if he beats John Ryder tonight.

Parker will earn a crack at the WBO super-middleweight crown currently held by Canelo should he win to claim the vacant interim belt.

And he admits he is pinching himself at that prospect. But Parker, the

WBO’s No.1 contender, must now focus on beating the dangerous Ryder.

The unbeaten Derby fighter, who is 22-0, said: “Just fighting for a world title is mad, but the possibility of fighting him adds a bit extra.

“Canelo is one of the best fighters pound-for-pound and one of the biggest names in boxing.

“It’s a mad feeling – but I’ve got to be switched on because I’ve got a man coming to take my head off.

“This is pretty much a world title fight in itself. I need to be switched on.

“John said in his press conference that this is his last chance, so I’ve got to be ready for that. It’s a big carrot in front of us and I’ve got to be switched on.”

Ryder controversially lost to Callum Smith three years ago when he challenged him for the WBA Super crown and beat two-time middleweight king Daniel Jacobs last time out.

Parker (on the left with Ryder) claims Ryder is the toughest fight of his career and vows to be ready for the

Islington slugger. “John’s fight with Callum was Callum’s worst night against John’s best night,” he said.

“I feel that was him at his peak. I saw his last fight against Danny Jacobs and I felt it was a bit of a flat performance until the later rounds, but he got the win.

“This is the toughest fight of my career.”