• David Price v John McDermott

Price prepared for 'toughest opponent yet'

Tom Walker & Joseph Caron-Dawe
January 18, 2012
David Price is taking the next step on the ladder, following his win over Tom Dallas © Lonsdale
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David Price has described his contest against John McDermott this Saturday as the "toughest test" of his career to date, as the Liverpudlian fighter took the time to discuss his preparations and expectations for the bout with ESPN.

Twenty-eight-year-old Price faces the vastly more experienced McDermott in a British heavyweight title final eliminator in his home town this weekend, a match up that will also see the vacant BBBC English heavyweight belt bestowed upon the winner.

Price has won all 11 of his fights since turning professional in 2009, collecting nine by way of KO, and comes up against a seasoned competitor in McDermott (33-11-0). The imbalance in experience is in no way affecting Price's confidence however, having won his last five fights inside the distance.

"He'll be my toughest opponent yet," Price confirmed to ESPN. "He's had three times more professional fights than I've had; he's been around a lot longer. He's fought for the British title a couple of times so on paper John McDermott will be my toughest test but it all depends what happens on the night."

He continued: "I think if you let him into the fight he'll grow in confidence as the fight goes on, so it's important to keep him in his place. The mental side of things could be his weakness; if I can get on top of him then it will make it a much easier night for myself. He will be a tough opponent though and I'm not taking him lightly."

Price suffered a rib injury in training back in November but dispelled any doubts over his current condition He said: "Training's gone really well. The injury forced me to have a break but I've carried on as normal once I got over it. In a way it's just been a really long training camp with a little break in the middle.

"I've had no problems in sparring - I've been sparring with different boxers and had good variety. The injury is fine and I got straight back in the gym about two and a half weeks after doing it, and I couldn't be in a better place physically."

Ambitious as well as focused, Price has a clear pathway planned out in his mind, but is remaining fully concentrated on his imminent adversary.

"I know that as long as I keep working hard and performing the way I am then I'll soon be British champion. I'm hoping to be at world level within 18 months to two years," he explained. "There's a lot of learning still to do. I'm no way near the finished article. No fighter ever is the finished article but I'm a long way off it.

"It's about getting the right fights at the right time and this fight on Saturday is perfect for me. Hopefully I come out victorious and then it will be a case of take each fight as it comes."

David Price trains & fights using Lonsdale boxing apparel & equipment. www.lonsdale.com

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