Zach Parker picked up a title and outlined his world title credentials with a stunning stoppage win.

The former British super-middleweight champion was in action at Manchester Arena on Saturday.

Parker (19-0, 13 KOs) picked up the vacant WBO International super-middleweight title against Rohan Murdock, as part of the supporting cast to Scott Quigg’s super-featherweight clash against Jono Carroll.

As a result of the win, Parker, who is managed by Neil Marsh, is now the mandatory challenger to WBO world champion Billy Joe Saunders.

Saunders, along with his fellow Englishman Callum Smith, is in line to land the lucrative May 2 date against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

The likelihood of Parker facing Saunders for the title is slim, should he get the ‘Canelo’ fight, but the Derby man started well in the first three rounds, before Murdock rallied in the fifth and sixth, increasing his work rate and making a big impression on both Parker –– who was reddened under both eyes –– and the three scoring judges at ringside.

Murdock’s good work was however quickly undone as Parker then came back in sixth and seventh with very hard, accurate counters.

In the 11th round, the round which proved to be the final one, Parker landed several hard shots to send Murdock down hard.

A quality combination, finished by a left hook, floored the number one-ranked contender, from Australia.

Murdock, to his credit, rose to his feet and walked forward under the instruction of referee Phil Edwards, but the fight was swiftly waved off with just two minutes remaining in the 11th round.

“It was a great fight and I hope the fans all enjoyed it,” said Parker. “It was always going to be a good fight when it’s number 1 versus number 2!

“He was a very tough guy. He took some great shots and kept coming. I was happy to get the stoppage at the end and I knew it would come,” Parker continued. “I’m now number 1 with the WBO so I should be fighting for world titles very soon. I’m ready for them all!”

Parker’s promoter Nisse Sauerland was delighted with the 25-year-old Englishman’s performance.

“Zach was brilliant, I said before the fight that he was going to steal the show and he has done exactly that,” said Sauerland. “He’s produced the fight of the night and sealed it with a knockout - Zach Parker is going all the way to the top!”