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Thompson expecting 'professional' Price

Tony Thompson does not expect David Price to leave himself open to another close-range knockout blow © PA Photos

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Tony Thompson expects David Price to be more "professional" in their heavyweight rematch following the Liverpool native's work with Lennox Lewis.

Thompson subjected Price to the first defeat of his professional career at the Echo Arena in February, knocking out the 29-year-old with a right hook in the second round.

But the 41-year-old American does not believe Price will leave himself open to such a shot in their rematch on Saturday night after his work with former undisputed heavyweight champion Lewis - who believes Price is closing in on world title contender form.

Speaking to ESPN's Steve Bunce, Thompson admitted he would be surprised if he finds Price lingering at close range on his return to Liverpool.

"I don't think he'll over-correct it but I do think that he will be aware of it," Thompson said. "Having a mastermind or all-time great like Lennox Lewis in his corner, Lennox is going to make him aware of it.

"He'll probably try to make him use his height a little bit more, his good jab a little bit more, stuff that we're prepared for."

Asked if he thinks Price will be more cautious in the fight, Thompson added: "Not necessarily - just responsible. I think David is an action fighter and you can't change that too much.

"But I think Lennox is going to bring a bit more professionalism to his approach, which can only help him. You can't just blast everybody out with big right hands, which I proved because he hit me with some big right hands and I shrugged them off and kept coming.

"I think Lennox is going to teach him the aspect of going in with a game plan and sticking with a game plan, so long as it's working."

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