David Price set to fight five times in 2014

[whiskey]

http://www.livefight.com/news.php?news_ ... =2014&m=01

by @shaun_brown

Once bitten…

23 Feb 2013 and the David Price runaway train, next stop a town called Klitschko, is derailed by an American ‘Tiger’ called Tony Thompson. Shock is carried by fans from the Echo Arena back to their homes. It’s okay though. Fear not. He is to Price what McCall was to Lewis. It happens.

Twice shy…

Why? That was a freak result, surely? Time to right that wrong. 6 Jul 2013, Britain expects, Frank Maloney expects! Let’s get the show back on the road. The fifth round this time as opposed to the second just five months earlier. Another stunned silence in Liverpool. The Price Was Wrong. A Hard Day’s Night etc etc. A career in tatters.
Third time lucky?

“Unless there would be an incentive to fight Tony Thompson again I don’t see the point really. I already made a mistake of going back after the first fight!” David Price has a smile back on his face.

Time to get away from it all and rebuild. Remove the pressure, the expectation and let’s focus on bringing Price back into the heavyweight fold slowly but surely.

Sign here please…………………………….

Regards, The Sauerland Brothers.




When the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve it was welcomed with great big open arms from David Price. 2013 was gone and long forgotten.

“As soon as the clock stuck twelve I just got a real sense of optimism and I’m looking forward to the year ahead,” he told Livefight.

“Nothing good happened in 2013 apart from signing with Sauerland at the end of the year. It was a terrible year.”

A fresh start has also signalled the arrival of a fresh face with the arrival of American trainer Tommy Brooks. The man who has worked with Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and both Klitschko brothers is charged with bringing one of Liverpool’s favourite sons back near the front of the heavyweight pack. However it might have been Adam Booth, not Brooks, had things worked out on the “business” side of things. Whatever the disagreement was between Booth and Sauerland, Price didn’t see the point in discussing it. He’s moving on, not looking back.

“To anyone looking in from the outside it probably looks like everything’s been all over the place,” said Price.

But after various chops and changes is the 30-year-old now finally settled with his latest corner man?

“It’s not as chaotic as you think it is. I am settled, I’m settled in the gym too,” he answered.

“Me and Tommy are still getting to know each other obviously but that’s a natural course. He was someone that Frank Maloney (Price’s former promoter) always wanted to bring over to work with but it never happened for whatever reason. He was on the shortlist when I was looking for a new trainer. I always wanted to try out with him because of his own experience but also his experience with heavyweights. So it seemed like a natural thing to at least try.

“We’ve been working for four weeks so far and it’ll take time to start seeing the results of what we’re doing but even at this stage, and with what I’m capable of on ability alone, that’s going to be enough to see me through this next fight. Then hopefully we can get some of the things going that we’ve been trying in the gym.”

And that next fight will witness the first professional contest for Price on foreign soil. His new promoters, Sauerland, are describing it as a “world tour”. The first leg kicks off in Stuttgart against 35-year-old Konstantin Airich (19-7-2, 15 KOs) after original opponent, Evgeny Orlov, had pulled out. On paper, Price should be getting Airich out of there early doors but this is part of phase one in the rebuilding of a career that once looked over. But thankfully Price’s confidence has returned.

“I’m excited about getting back in the ring,” he said.

“I’ve seen Alrich knocking round for a few years in a few different fights and he’s been in with a few different names. I’ve seen tapes of him, it’ll be a good challenge for me. It’s a good fight for me to come back.”

And what should the fans expect from David Price 2.0?

“(Puffs out his cheeks) I don’t know. It depends. I can’t tell them what to expect, they’ll probably have their own expectations. If they’ve got expectations similar of me in my last fight then they’d be wrong to think that for sure.

“It’s obvious that I’ve got to focus on one fight at a time but the plan is to fight next week (Jan 25) then the beginning of March or sometime in March. And again maybe before the summer break and then two times before the end of the year but that’s in an ideal world without injuries or anything else. That’s what the plan is, five times this year.”

Price will be on the undercard of the cruiserweight cult, Marco Huck as the “Kapt’n” aims to put some doubts to bed when he rematches Firat Arslan in defence of his WBO world title. A reign that is now entering its fifth year. For Huck, the adulation from his fans in Germany is something that can carry him along in a fight and assist greatly when he bombards his opponents with on-rushing one-two assaults. For Price, he’s glad not to be the focus of attention. Whilst he revels in fighting in front of his passionate fans in Liverpool, such a weight removed from his shoulders is something he believes will benefit him when he returns to the UK to fight, hopefully, next year.

“There will be a weight off for me because for a start I won’t be a top of the bill fighter. I’m not the main event so straight away there’s something off me,” he said.

“The expectations that people once had of me, they won’t have of me anymore. To be honest I would rather that it was the other way because I’d rather people were expecting things from me because that means you’re doing something right. But I’ve still got that expectation in myself. It’s not like I’ll be getting in the ring not taking the fights seriously. But I am a lot more relaxed and we’re ten days out from the fight. To be honest it was never an issue until the last fight and the reason for that was because of what happened in the first fight. I got stopped in the first fight and everything just got blown out of proportion in my head in the build-up to the second fight. And it was a disaster to lose type of thing and it was just that one fight where I felt that, the pressure. Before that I was loving it, enjoying it and revelling in it. It was a massive compliment to me having that much pressure put on me. As it stands now the pressure is off, I suppose, but I want that pressure back. I want people to be expecting things of me and it’s just a matter of me putting in a performance over 2-3 fights and people will see what I’m capable of again.”

And Price is even more relaxed now that he’s facing an orthodox fighter after facing lefty’s in three of his last four fights.

“I’m really looking forward to getting in the ring with an orthodox fighter. Not only are you fighting southpaws but you’re preparing in the gym for a southpaw, you’re sparring southpaws and you forget what it’s like to fight a conventional opponent. When it comes down to the ring and sparring someone with what you’re more or less used to then you start finding things a lot easier. That last fight, I’m pretty convinced, was a blessing and I’ve learned an awful lot from it. Tony Thompson is a really good fighter, a clever old fighter and he taught me a lesson. It was a painful one but I’m over it now. It’s gone. I’ve got plenty to look forward to this year.”

There are no goals for Price and his new team in 2014. Regaining confidence is paramount but repaying the faith given to him by Sauerland will be another. When the German based promotional machine made their move to sign the former English, British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion a few eyebrows were raised. But scepticism was scarce as the majority of people in boxing tipped it to be a good move for all involved. But what made Price choose them over other outfits?


“For me, I like to think outside the box a bit. It’s alright to do what everyone else is doing. As far as what they could do what other promoters couldn’t, well good promoters can do the same thing but I got the feeling that these people had a belief in me that others might not have. They’ve seen me in a different environment from my last two fights, they’ve seen me in camp in Germany with a couple of their fighters and they know what the ability situation is with me. When I met up with them, I met Kalle, I’d known Nisse but I met Kalle in London and I just got a really good vibe off them straight away. And the plan they set out for me suited me with the timing and everything else to get out on the continent and have a couple of fights abroad and then coming back to the UK after rebuilding a little bit. I just think it fell into place nicely for me and it jumped off the page when I was considering my options. I think it’s a great move for me and I’m really, really pleased with it.”

Price, the boxer, describes 2013 as a “write-off”. His job in the hurt business took something of a battering but in the face of victory or defeat, the friendly Scouse giant always produces honesty with his words and always has one eye on the outside world. Two bad days at the office might have been spread over several calendar months but Price realises that he’s better off than those less fortunate.

“At the end of the day I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I lost two fights last year but there’s a lot of people in life worse off than me. In life in general I’m happy. I’ve got a great family, my kids are healthy, I’ve got food on the table and a roof over my head so I can’t complain.”

But back at his day job there have been significant developments in his division. The dominance of the Klitschko’s has been halved in two with big brother, Vitali, seeking fights in politics rather than in the ring. Wladimir remains and will no doubt look for a route to tie up the WBC title now that his brother has finally left it behind. America has something to get excited about, potentially, in the shape of Deontay Wilder. Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora may well be about to star in their own sequel and 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist Anthony Joshua has Sky Sports licking their lips.

For now, it will have to be one fight at a time for David Price but that doesn’t stop him commenting on a scene that he hopes to have another impact on in due course.


“I think with Vitali stepping aside it’s a blessing for everyone including the fans if anything more for the fans because it’s going to make more competitive fights for the title unless Wladimir doesn’t get it. It’s going to make for competition and that’s what the heavyweight division has been lacking while Vitali and Wladimir have been dominating. It just opens it up a little bit and you’re going to see some really exciting fights and I’ve got every intention of being involved in them.

And for the rookie, Anthony Joshua, the been there done that Price had this piece of advice for him.

“I can give him advice from the viewpoint of everyone’s behind you and wants you to do well but then it can all just end. The wheels can come off and you have to re-group. You’ve just got to go with the flow and enjoy it and take each fight as it comes. Never look past the next fight.”

And after only 17 fights there speaks a voice of experience.

[bripez]

Sorry, couldn't be bothered to read all of it.

But one thing I know (and Price knows) is that the next time he gets hit on the chin it will be game over.

[johnswan1]

My predictions for Price are:

- unlikely to fight five times in 2014
- likely to get KO'd at least once within his next five fights
- retired by end of 2015
- updating his own Twitter account by end of 2015 as opposed to somebody updating it for him

[cutsman]

I hope he does well because I am excited to see his fights as you just don't know what is going to happen.

[ILikeBeer]

I hope he does well because I am excited to see his fights as you just don't know what is going to happen.

Agreed. He seemed a genuinely nice guy, and I was predicting big things for him. Hasn't quite happened. It's a shame.

I'd love for him to turn it around, but I'd be surprised if he did.

[SteveDow]

I wish David all the best. Nice guy, huge puncher and technically good.

Clearly has issues mentally and with his chin but that doesn't mean he can't improve and go further. Classic example is Wlad who completely changed his game and has gone on to dominate. I'm not saying David has the ability Wlad has but he has similar physical attributes and power and I don't think we should write him off just yet.

[lillywhite14]

He carries enough power to be a real worry for most.

Always thought he would do a number on Fury if that ever happens, although Fury will have the better career.

[cutsman]

I hope he does well because I am excited to see his fights as you just don't know what is going to happen.

Agreed. He seemed a genuinely nice guy, and I was predicting big things for him. Hasn't quite happened. It's a shame.

I'd love for him to turn it around, but I'd be surprised if he did.

Yeah I was also predicting big things for him. I actually gasped out loud when Thompson floored him in the first fight.

I think the stamina issue may have been a one off. He just worked himself up too much and had a sort of panic attack before his second fight with Thompson and used up all his energy before he got in the ring. Hope is gets back on track.

[ILikeBeer]

Yeah I was also predicting big things for him. I actually gasped out loud when Thompson floored him in the first fight.

I think the stamina issue may have been a one off. He just worked himself up too much and had a sort of panic attack before his second fight with Thompson and used up all his energy before he got in the ring. Hope is gets back on track.

I watched the first Price vs Thompson fight in the pub. The only place I could find near me that had allegedly was some Sports Bar. This didn't particularly bother me, because you could sit in stalls with invidual televisions and watch whatever sport you wanted. What did bother me was they seemed to forget their remit on Friday and Saturday nights. In my opinion a Sports Bar should show sports. This place always opened up a dance floor and ordered a DJ on weekend evenings. People who asked to have sport on were treated as an inconvenience. I was watching the fight next to some guy shouting; "Come on Croydon. Gangnam Style."

When Price was knocked out, at least my shout of surprise was drowned out by the sound of rubbish music.

As I left to go home, drink more beer and discuss it on the internet, the manager hurried over and turned the sport off as if asking for a boxing match in a place that advertised itself as a sports bar was a massive disgrace.

That place was only open for a year, it's remarketed itself as a trendy cocktail bar now.

[Tuan_Jim]

That sounds exactly like the Sports Bar at Piccadilly.

The sport motif seems to be an inconvenience to them, and at peak sport time they like to clear sports fans aide to make an empty dancefloor, play deafening music, and have a DJ screeching into a mike. Naturally they still charge you to get in when a big fight is on, even though they will spend the duration of the fight trying to ruin it for you.

[Freedom2013]

Hopefully David Price will have a successful year.

[HomicideHenry]

Five times in 2014?

Five bums. Or they really want to see him get kayoed badly.

[Mimmy]

Price will not fight 5 times in 2014 FACT!

[jameswilson]

Price will not fight 5 times in 2014 MY OPINION!

Fixed.

[garethhop]

That sounds exactly like the Sports Bar at Piccadilly.

The sport motif seems to be an inconvenience to them, and at peak sport time they like to clear sports fans aide to make an empty dancefloor, play deafening music, and have a DJ screeching into a mike. Naturally they still charge you to get in when a big fight is on, even though they will spend the duration of the fight trying to ruin it for you.

It was in there in 2004 when I experienced perhaps the most surreal moment of my life, as along with four other Shrewsbury Town fans who had turned up to watch Shrewsbury Vs Leigh RMI on the big screen, we were asked to move out of our seats to make way for a mechanical bull to be set up for the disco that followed.......

[ILikeBeer]

Price will not fight 5 times in 2014 MY OPINION!

Fixed.

He wrote 'fact' at the end. It must be true.

[Counter-puncher]

I was watching the fight next to some guy shouting; "Come on Croydon. Gangnam Style."

[Tuan_Jim]

That sounds exactly like the Sports Bar at Piccadilly.

The sport motif seems to be an inconvenience to them, and at peak sport time they like to clear sports fans aide to make an empty dancefloor, play deafening music, and have a DJ screeching into a mike. Naturally they still charge you to get in when a big fight is on, even though they will spend the duration of the fight trying to ruin it for you.

It was in there in 2004 when I experienced perhaps the most surreal moment of my life, as along with four other Shrewsbury Town fans who had turned up to watch Shrewsbury Vs Leigh RMI on the big screen, we were asked to move out of our seats to make way for a mechanical bull to be set up for the disco that followed.......

Ha!

[ILikeBeer]

That sounds exactly like the Sports Bar at Piccadilly.

The sport motif seems to be an inconvenience to them, and at peak sport time they like to clear sports fans aide to make an empty dancefloor, play deafening music, and have a DJ screeching into a mike. Naturally they still charge you to get in when a big fight is on, even though they will spend the duration of the fight trying to ruin it for you.

That annoys me.

This place, I guess was trying to get passing trade. Because it was surrounded by several bars that have DJs and play music. Next door on either side there was a bar like this. Across the road was a bar like this. You were within 30 seconds walk of a nightclub.

Somehow that made it worse though. I get that the reason they were doing it was to tempt in some of that trade that happened to be walking by, but I'd have wanted to go dancing I'd have been spoiled for choice. Don't advertise yourself as the town's home of sport if you're going to act annoyed if people want to watch sport. There was a guy sat almost in the middle of the dance floor watching Spanish Football.

[bripez]

If Price has 5 fights this year it will all be against shite opposition.

His promoters need to get him into a World title shot position without actually fighting anybody - they can then cash in when he gets beat (a bit like Bellew and Cleverly on the other thread).