• Boxing

Price sends heavyweight message with rapid KO

David Price has lofty goals after his latest victory © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Price rumbles towards title shot with second round KO
  
• News: Smith claims title in controversy
  

David Price gave the biggest hint yet he could be a future heavyweight world title contender with an imperious knockout of American Raphael Butler in just 107 seconds.

Butler came into the contest with a decent record, but Price - an Olympic bronze medallist three years ago - proved himself a cut above with both his pace and power; knocking down his rival to an eight count with a thundering right cross before another left hook put Butler back on the canvas and forced the referee to stop the bout comfortably inside the first round.

The 6ft 8in Price believes the manner of his victory at the Olympia in his hometown of Liverpool is another indication of his long-term potential to be Britain's next dominant heavyweight.

"I don't think I will be really tested until I get into world class," Price said. "There has been a lot of criticism of my opponents, but this guy had 35 wins and 28 knockouts. Even if some of his opposition had not been great, he still had to knock them out."

Price is now due to fight John McDermott for the English title at the same arena on June 11, and backs himself to take another victory.

"It will be a step up, but I believe in myself 100 per cent," he said. "John is a clever fighter but he will be there to be hit. But I only got 90 seconds to show what I could do [against Butler]. There is plenty more to come."

The 27-year-old has sparred with both Odlanier Solis - who lost to Vitali Klitschko last month - and WBA heavyweight champion David Haye in the past, and feels those experiences have only reinforced his certainty that he will make it to that level one day.

"I know people can make too much of sparring but I feel I have held my own with whoever I have been in with," Price said. "And if they can fight for the heavyweight title, I don't see any reason why I can't in a couple of years."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.