AUDIO: The Abrams Boxing Show: Ep 36 w/Danny Garcia and Dylan Price
CHISORA VS. PRICE + UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Derek Chisora – Finchley, England – 31-9, 22 KOs – fighting David Price for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight title:
“We are brining WAR! I am ready for whatever he has, nothing fazes me and all I’m saying to David Price is just be ready.
“Everybody has power in the boxing game. He has to be aware of what I can do to. We’re going to bring war, I can’t box.
“Listen, I don’t need to sell anything. You’re not in my league, you don’t understand.
“Bing, bing, bombs away, he’s getting knocked out!
“I’m happy to walk onto one but I will deliver one.”David Price – Liverpool, England – 25-6, 20 KOs – fighting Derek Chisora for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight title:
“I know Derek needs this to get himself up for the fight. That’s sound, because the last thing Derek needs is to be shaking my hand, because we do like each other, and it’s cool. That’s fine. This is business, 100 per cent.
“I expect it to be a long fight and a painful fight for Derek because my accuracy is the telling point. I expect a knockout win.
“Taking the Chisora fight was a no brainer! The upside of this fight is massive and we are ready to go toe-to-toe on Saturday night.”
David Haye, manager of Derek Chisora:
“Price is a weapon, I’ve sparred with him over the years, he has genuine world-class power.
“He’s the hardest person I’ve been hit by, behind Deontay Wilder. David Price is no joke! When a fighter has nothing to lose, they’re very dangerous.
“Derek is twelve round fit. He knows this is no joke and that you cannot underestimate any Heavyweight. The fans are in for a real treat.”Ricky Burns – Coatbridge, Scotland – 43-7-1, 16 KO’s – fighting Lee Selby in a 12 round Lightweight contest:
“I’m just so happy we’re just a couple of days away now. These are the big nights like this, especially at The O2 – I’ve never boxed here before, but I’m so looking forward to it, these are the big Shows that I’ve always said I love to be involved in.
“I know that we’ve got a tough fight here against Lee but preparation has gone well and everything has gone to plan for this fight. We’re confident in going out there and getting the win. I can always remember back when we sparred, I couldn’t believe the size of him for a Featherweight. I kept saying to him how does he do it.
“I know what I need to do. We know what to expect, all preparation has gone well and we’re just looking forward to going out there and putting on a show.”
Lee Selby – Barry, Wales – 27-2, 9 KO’s – fighting Lee Selby in a 12 round Lightweight contest:
“I’m ready to go, back at The O2. I’ve boxed at The O2 more than any other venue in my career. I won the Lonsdale belt outright there, won and defended the World title, so I’ve got great memories there.
“We started sparring quite a while ago out in LA and whilst I was out there the date of the fight was put back so I took a week away with my family and the kids, then it was back to work. We’ve been up in Newcastle sparring with Lewis Ritson and then he came down and did a week down in Bristol.
“Everything has gone good and I’m looking forward to Saturday night. I’m expecting an extremely tough fight, Ricky Burns is very experienced. He’s a good boxer, you can’t get a tougher man, you’ve seen him box a full fight with a broken jaw, he’s an extremely tough man. He’s very skilled and I’m expecting a tough fight.”
Yves Ngabu – Roeselare, Belgium – 20-0, 14 KOS – defending his EBU European Cruiserweight title against Lawrence Okolie:
“This is what I wanted when I came to the UK! I wanted to fight the number one in the UK and that is what I have got. I have the chance to show the world what I can do and I am more than ready for this fight with two days to go.
“I wanted to move to the world level after my last fight but these are the things that I have to do now to show people what I can do and in two days time we will see what happens.”
Lawrence Okolie – Hackney, London – 13-0, 10 KOS – challenging Yves Ngabu for the EBU European Cruiserweight title:
“This is not my first time boxing a champion, I have beat British and Commonwealth champions before so it’s just going to be continuing that on Saturday night. I have dealt with people before who have gone to sleep every night thinking that this is their time but it’s always ended up the same way with me walking away with the victory.
“I am happy that Yves has taken this fight, he said that he wanted it before and now it’s here! I am expecting a complete performance from myself because my opponent is very versatile who can come forward and box on the back foot. I am going to have to show different layers at different points in the fight so I look forward to it!”
Conor Benn – Ilford, England – 15-0, 10 KOS – defending his WBA Continental Welterweight title against Steve Jamoye:
“The O2 is home for me! I had my debut here, won my WBA title here and the reception I get here at The O2 is crazy. It’s a blessing to be on such a big show and for me this is the show of the year. I plan on showing everyone in this fight what I am made of, every fight I have is different. The fight before my last I boxed, my last fight I fancied it and got him out of there so if this guy fancies it as well then he is going to get banged out too!”
“It doesn’t bother me, if he wants to box on the back foot then I will take it to him because I am a fighter through and through and I fight with my heart on my sleeve – you know what to expect when I step through them ropes!”
Austin Williams – Houston, USA – 3-0, 3 KOS – fighting Miroslav Juna in a four round Middleweight contest:
“Firstly I want to thank the UK for all the love that I have received since I have been here, I’ve been on a private jet and headed up to Newcastle where I got to see and feel the spirit and the electric atmosphere of the UK fans.
“I really want to be a fighter who can headline a card one day over here in the UK – it was a beautiful experience for me and to be fighting at The O2 on this platform In just my fourth fight is such a blessing for me – I’m ready to put on a show on Saturday night!”
Shannon Courtenay – Watford, England – 3-0, 1 KO – fighting Jasmina Nad in a four round Bantamweight contest:
“This was a bill that I wanted to be on for a while! I am a live float which means there is a chance I can get a really good TV slot which I’m excited about and I’m just buzzing to be back at The O2. Last time I boxed here there was an amazing atmosphere and I think this is one of the best cards so far this year so I am just so excited to be there.”
LIVE VIDEO: Public Workout | Prograis vs Taylor, Chisora vs Price & undercard!
PRICE TO FACE CHISORA IN ALL BRITISH HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE
| Derek Chisora will face David Price at The O2 on Saturday October 26, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.
Chisora (31-9, 22 KO’s), who was scheduled to face former WBO World Champion Joseph Parker until the New Zealander was forced out through illness, will now face Liverpool’s David Price in an intriguing British Heavyweight match-up in which the winner will cement themselves as a top contender in boxing’s blue-ribbon division. Fan favourite Chisora returns to the ring three months on from his emphatic second round KO win against Artur Szpilka for what will be his sixth bout in succession in Greenwich. Chisora has been involved in some thrilling encounters in the capital of late, including his enthralling battle with Dillian Whyte and his sensational knockout victory over Carlos Takam. Price (25-6, 20 KO’s), who was scheduled to fight in Liverpool on November 23, steps in to face Chisora on the back of his career-changing win over Dave Allen at The O2, which has sparked a rejuvenated confidence in the Liverpudlian. ‘Big Truck’, who has won three on the bounce and hasn’t tasted defeat since September 2018, knows that a win over Derek Chisora can catapult him into the frame for some huge fights in 2020. “It didn’t matter who got in the ring with me on October 26th I’m ready for WAR. Parker b*tched out, it’s like he thinks he is Peter Parker not Joseph Parker with his Spider-Man excuses. It’s cool, let him do his thing,” said Derek Chisora. “David Price has stepped up and I’m ready for whatever he brings. If he thinks I’m just going to stand there and be a punch bag like Dave Allen he is in for a shock. This is north versus south and in my home town I write the rules. Saturday 26th October get ready to scream TIMBER!” “I’m very excited for this fight,” said Price. “Derek is a great competitor and I’m sure he’ll bring the best out of me. I kept in the gym all summer because I had a feeling I had to be ready for a call like this, and ready I am.” “I’m delighted to get this fight over the line, It’s a huge all British Heavyweight fight on what will be one of the biggest boxing nights of the year,” said Eddie Hearn. “It was frustrating to lose the Parker fight but I feel we now have a fight with even more curiosity and danger on October 26. The careers of both men are on the line, they will be giving it everything. It’s going to be a dramatic fight and dramatic night.” David Haye added: “Derek is a fighter who was obviously willing to jump in the ring with anyone. Parker being forced out of the bout due to illness was naturally a huge blow but Derek has remained focused and in the gym. In recent years many had written him off but his emphatic destruction of Szpilka inside two rounds in July sent out a message to the boxing world. I’ve known Price since I first sparred him in 2005 when he was a young promising amateur. He used his impressive 6’9 frame and talent to capture an Olympic Bronze medal in Beijing in 2008. Going on to turn professional less than a year later on a Hayemaker Promotions show, so admittedly it’s a little strange that a decade later he will be in the opposing corner. “I’m well aware Price on his day can cause any Heavyweight nightmares. Derek thrives on challenge and wants to be in the biggest fights to get fans excited. It’s a must win fight for both men and business is business, friendship aside, it’s time to go to work for both fighters. On Saturday 26th October expect a destructive showdown between two heavyweights out to prove themselves in the division.” Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we have such a brilliant new fight lined up for October 26th. Everyone was so disappointed to see Joseph Parker have to pull out of his clash with Derek Chisora, but this is the unpredictability and excitement of boxing – in steps big David Price. What a captivating dual this now is. “Everyone has been stopping me to say get Pricey and Eddie has literally pulled a rabbit out of the hat. I told him I wanted a great replacement – this is fabulous. David is coming off that punch perfect win over David Allen; Derek off the stunning KO of Artur Szpilka – this is a cracking Heavyweight battle to add to one of THE cards of 2019 and October 26 is set to be a magnificent night on Sky Sports Box Office at The O2.” Tickets priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £200 and £500 (VIP) are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com). |
THE PRICE IS RIGHT FOR DUBOIS
DANIEL DUBOIS is licking his lips at the prospect of getting to grips with big punching David Price.
British champion Dubois (12-0, 11KOs) bids to add the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title to his collection when he faces Ebenezer Tetteh (19-0, 16KOs) at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 27, live on BT Sport.
If the Ghanaian is defeated, the fast emerging London star fancies a double title defence before the end of this year against Liverpool’s KO King Price, himself a former British and Commonwealth title holder.
Dubois has no worries about offering Price the chance to regain his old belts, even though 6ft 8in David has knocked out 20 of his 25 victims and carries concussive power.
Price recently hammered Dave Allen, but Dubois insists: “Price is a good fight for me.
“He has been around a while and fought a lot of guys, but It’s a good match-up and I will take on all-comers.
“I will fight whoever is put in front of me. Whoever I have got to face I will and I welcome whoever steps up.”
Dubois showed he is arguably the world’s top heavyweight prospect in July when he defeated Frank Warren stablemate Nathan Gorman to claim the British crown.
He is now ranked number 7 by the WBO and 15 by the IBF and Price is number 9 in the WBA ratings for Andy Ruiz Jr’s titles.
Dubois added: “I have never come across David, but I would share the ring with him, definitely. I’m only 21 years old, but moving fast.”
Beside’s Dubois there will be a world title clash involving WBO flyweight champion Nicola Adams.
The card will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp who makes his second title defence against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty.
Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann are also in action.
Exciting prospects Lewis Edmundson, Eithan James and Sam Noakes all make their professional debuts.
Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.
DAVID PRICE MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
How has training gone?
“It’s gone really well. It’s been an extensive camp but we’re coming to the end now and there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I’m looking forward to the camp being finished, fighting is going to be the easy part. Everything has gone well, so far so good. A long camp but a fruitful one. I’ve trained well, rested well, eat well. Everything is fine.”
You’ve described this as the biggest fight of your career, why is that?
“In boxing your next fight is always your biggest. It’s what is on the other side. The way the Heavyweight division is changing and the landscape is changing, the upset with the Joshua defeat and everything else, it’s probably created more interest and there’s going to be even more opportunities amongst the fighters just below the top level like myself.”
What’s next if you get the win?
“As far as winning this fight is concerned, there’s definitely going to be an opportunity and a bigger fight next. There’s a lot of American Heavyweights coming through, there’s a lot going on in Britain still. I haven’t even thought about defeat. Defeat isn’t even an option for me in this fight so it’s not something that has come into my mind, it’s all about what happens when I win.”
Could there be another opportunity to get back to the highest level of the sport?
“There might be an opportunity to fight someone that may create some buzz towards a World title eliminator or something like that. I’d love to be able to finish my career and say I’ve fought for a World title. If the belts are broken up there will be more opportunities to challenge for them. The champions will need more challengers. You just never know. We’ll see what happens.”
Dave Allen says he will knock you out in three rounds. What do you make of that?
“My best chance of beating Dave Allen will probably be in the opening few rounds so it’s going to be fireworks from the first bell. I’m expecting fireworks, it’s as simple as that. It’s going to be a great clash of styles. He thinks I’m made for him, I think he’s made for me. He says he’ll stop me in three, I’ll stop him in two. Dave Allen is a durable fighter but I can knock anyone out and I want to knock Dave Allen out. That’s the plan, to go out to try and stop him. We’ve worked on a lot of things to deal with Dave Allen and I’m confident what we’ve worked on is going to be successful on the night. I’m just focusing on doing what I want to do on the night and that’s to get in the ring and knock Dave Allen out which I believe I’m fully capable of.”
The bookies have you down as the underdog heading into July 20, does this surprise you?
“Not really because Dave Allen is coming off the back of a good win over Lucas Browne. He’s coming in off four wins. He’s had two notable wins and he’s got momentum going into our fight. He’s the favourite and I expected that, that’s fine with me. Dave Allen is the A side in this fight, I’m in as the opponent. The expectation is on Dave Allen so the beauty for me is that people aren’t expecting me to win as far as the betting is concerned. That suits me down to the ground.”
What do you expect from Dave Allen on July 20?
“I think he’s rugged. He’s durable. It’s more about preparing for what I’m going to do than reacting to what Dave Allen is going to do. We’re preparing more about my plan and my actions that I’m going to take in the ring. Let him react to me rather than me reacting to him. It’s about me getting in there on the night and staying calm and composed.”
CHISORA AND SZPILKA COLLIDE AT THE O2
| Derek Chisora will clash with former World title challenger Artur Szpilka on a huge night of Heavyweight action at The O2 in London on July 20 that also sees Dillian Whyte take on the undefeated Oscar Rivas for the number one spot in the WBC and Dave Allen collide with David Price in a must-win domestic showdown, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office. Chisora (30-9, 21 KOs) cruised to a comfortable points win over Senad Gashi at The O2 in April in his first fight with new trainer Dave Coldwell on his big return after he came sensationally close to beating ‘The Body Snatcher’ in their brutal December rematch. The Finchley man still has a point to prove in the Heavyweight division and has already targeted fights with former WBO ruler and recent Matchroom Boxing USA signing Joseph Parker and undisputed Cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk should he come through his Szpilka test next month. “July 20 is not going to be an easy night in the office, I know that,” said Chisora. “Szpilka is an unpredictable come-forward southpaw, I will need to be in the best physical condition of my career to win this WAR, but I’m ready. Remember, I’m true a fighter, I love the heat of the battlefield, I’m at my most comfortable when most fighters would want to quit. July 20 is going to be explosive, Szpilka won’t be hearing the final bell.” Szpilka (22-3, 15 KOs), a tricky and awkward 6ft 3.5 southpaw, fell short in his attempt to become Poland’s first Heavyweight World Champion when he challenged for Deontay Wilder’s WBC crown back in January 2016. Aside from Wilder, Szpilka’s only other career defeats have come to World level opposition in former World title challenger Bryant Jennings in 2014 and unbeaten contender Adam Kownacki in 2017, and the power puncher from Wieliczka is predicting fireworks against ‘WAR’ Chisora. Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing said: “It’s terrific to have one of most charismatic Heavyweights Derek Chisora back at The O2 in an unpredictable and exciting fight against the wild Artur Szpilka. “We were ringside when Szpilka gave Deontay Wilder a real test in Brooklyn and we now welcome him to London. Dillian Whyte topped a cracking event last July – so bring on another Summer Heavyweight Sizzler – live on Sky Sports Box Office a year on.” General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com) |
VIDEO: Launch press conference: Whyte vs Rivas plus Allen vs Price!
ALLEN AND PRICE COLLIDE IN HUGE DOMESTIC SHOWDOWN AT THE O2
Dave Allen will face David Price in a huge domestic Heavyweight showdown on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s clash with unbeaten rival Oscar Rivas at The O2 in London on July 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Allen (17-4-2, 14KOs) stopped former WBA World Champion Lucas Browne in three rounds at the Greenwich venue last weekend, flooring the Australian with a crunching body shot to claim a stunning victory in his first ever main event fight.
‘White Rhino’ has taken his career to new heights after four straight stoppage wins and the hugely-popular Doncaster man believes that another win over Liverpudlian Price could earn him a shot at one of the top ten Heavyweights in the World.
Price (24-6, 19KOs) returned to winning ways with a TKO victory over Hatfield’s Tom Little last December and then recorded a win over Kash Ali at The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool after being bit twice during a controversial fight that ended in Ali’s disqualification.
The former British and Commonwealth Champion is determined to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank and is all too aware that nothing less than a win on July 20 will suffice as he looks to throw his name into the Heavyweight World mix once more.
“This is the fight that I’ve wanted for years,” said Allen. “I wanted it three years ago but it probably wasn’t the right fight for me at the time. Now it’s the right time for me and it’s the biggest domestic fight out there. There may be other fighters out there that are better than us but I think me and Pricey have two of the biggest fanbases in the UK.
“We’re both really exciting fighters and we can both punch, either of us could end it with one shot. It’s a great fight and one that I’m really excited to be involved in. This won’t go past four rounds. I’m going to try and outbox him and I’m going to try and take him out with one shot as early as possible. I want to beat him in the first two or three rounds while he’s still fresh and at his best. His game plan will be to try and knock me out within the first few rounds so the fans will love it.
“A win over Price would put me one fight away from a World title shot. It puts me in the shop window for the Joseph Parkers and Alexander Povetkins of this World. On the back of three victories then Lucas Browne and David Price I believe that I’m ready for a top ten Heavyweight and that for me is a final eliminator for a World title fight.”
“It’s a great fight and it’s come at a good time for the both of us,” said Price. “It’s a fight that will capture a lot of people’s interest. Dave Allen has got a good following and I’ve got a good following myself. It’s going to be an interesting night that’s for sure.
“Dave is a durable fighter and he’s on a good winning streak. His last fight was a great win so he’ll be coming into this one with his tail up but I’ve won my last two fights as well. It’s going to be explosive. It’s two big punchers and it might be a matter of who lands first.
“Dave is known for his toughness so it won’t be a good idea for me to go out there and try to land a big one early. It’s about me trying to use my attributes to my advantage. It’s two completely different types of fighters and two different sized men. I’m a lot bigger than Dave Allen, that can be a good thing or a bad thing.
“It’s a massive fight. I think me and Dave Allen have been slated to fight a couple of times in the past and it hasn’t happened for whatever reason but this time there’s big upsides for the winner. There’s a hell of a lot on the line which makes for an intriguing fight.”
“This is a big domestic clash and a complete 50-50 Heavyweight match up,” said Eddie Hearn. “Dave Allen’s story has touched sports fans all over the country and he returns to The O2 after his epic KO of Lucas Browne. We all know David Price inside out – a huge puncher but also vulnerable at times, he is coming off two solid wins and wants another major Worldwide name in the division. I have no idea who will get the job done but I cannot wait to see it unfold on a huge night at The O2. Don’t blink!”
Tickets for Whyte vs. Rivas are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300, £500 and £800 VIP.
General Sale tickets are available to purchase NOW from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)
ALI: PRICE IS GETTING SPARKED OUT
Kash Ali has vowed to “spark out” David Price in front of his home crowd and send him into retirement when they collide at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.
The Heavyweight rivals became embroiled in a heated war of words at today’s final press conference at The Cunard Building, with undefeated Ali branding his former sparring partner as a quitter once again.
After 15 straight victories, Ali is determined to burst onto the British scene, and the Midlands man believes a win over a big name like Price in front of a huge TV audience will fire him towards domestic titles.
“This is my time to show all the boxing people that I’m not here to mess about,” said Ali. “Beating someone like David will put me straight in the mix. People at the top of the game should watch out. It’s a great opportunity to show my skills, and show that I’m a real contender.
“One hundred per cent, he’s getting knocked out. It’s not going to points, no way. I’m younger, I’m fresher. I’m made for this. David Price is getting sparked out in front of his own fans. If he loses to me, that’s it, which he will. I think he should pack it in after that.
“He’s had chance after chance and he’s thrown all of them away. This is my first chance on the big stage and I’m going to make it count. There’s no way I’m losing this fight. There could be 10 of him in the ring and I’d go through every single one.
“He’s always been a quitter. He’s quit before and he’ll quit again. He might have trained hard, he might be in good shape, had good sparring, but one thing you can’t buy, you can’t buy guts and you can’t buy heart. He’s going to sleep. I’m ending his career.”
Price vs. Ali is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool.
Main event sees former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith make his long-awaited Liverpool homecoming against Sam Eggington.
Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.
Former Great Britain teammates Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald look to settle their longstanding feud in a dynamite Super-Welterweight clash.
Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.
There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.
PRICE – I’VE GOT TO DESTROY KASH ALI
David Price has admitted that he needs to “destroy” undefeated Brummie Kash Ali at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday if he wants to keep his name relevant in the Heavyweight division.
The former British and Commonwealth Champion fights in is home city for the first time in nearly three years this weekend, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, determined to prove he can still mix it at the top level as he aims to make a fresh title charge in 2019.
He is all too aware of the dangerous threat posed by 15-0 Ali, a hard-hitting former sparring partner who he has shared numerous rounds with, but says nothing less than convincing knockout win will suffice.
“I think I need to make a bit of a statement,” said Price. “With the Tom Little fight being stopped the way it did, I need to show people that I’m still a force to be reckoned with. If I want to keep my name out there I’ve to be destroying Kash Ali, and that’s exactly what I’m expecting to do. I’m looking to get rid of him in style to show everyone that I mean business.
“Kash Ali has stepped up to the plate to put his undefeated record on the line against me and I respect that. We sparred a lot of rounds at Dave Coldwell’s gym so I know what he’s all about. He’s young and hungry and he’s a very dangerous fighter. This is the kind of opponent that I needed, someone to get me up for a fight.
“We know each other and he’s alright. I’ve got nothing against him. He’s standing in the way of bigger things for me and I’m going to get in there and do a job on him, it’s as simple as that. He’ll be coming for my scalp, but I’ve got big plans for 2019 and he won’t be stopping them.
“I don’t feel like there’s any pressure on me. In a lot of peoples eyes, I’m shot, I’m this and I’m that. I’m just enjoying not having any pressure on me and I can’t wait to get another win in front of my home fans, it’s been a while.
“The Heavyweight landscape is constantly changing and you need to be ready to take your chances. There’s a lot of big names in the division who all need dance partners and there’s no reason I can’t throw my name back in the mix with a couple more wins.”
Price vs. Ali is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool.
Main event sees former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith make his long-awaited Liverpool homecoming against Sam Eggington.
Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.
Former Great Britain teammates Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald look to settle their longstanding feud in a dynamite Super-Welterweight clash.
Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.
There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.
DAVID PRICE CLASHES WITH KASH ALI IN LIVERPOOL
avid Price meets Birmingham’s undefeated Heavyweight Kash Ali on the undercard of Liam Smith’s crunch Super-Welterweight clash with Sam Eggington at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on March 30, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.
Price fights in Merseyside for the first time in nearly three years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division following his recent win over Hatfield’s Tom Little at The O2.
The former British and Commonwealth Champion is determined to prove that he can still mix it with the top Heavyweights as he bids to return to title contention in 2019, but isn’t overlooking his former sparring partner.
“Kash Ali has stepped up to put his undefeated record on the line so he obviously fancies his chances,” said Price. “We know each other quite well but I’m looking to get rid of him in style to show everyone that I mean business. It’ll be great to get another win in front of my home crowd next month.
“We sparred a lot of rounds at Dave Coldwell’s gym, so I know what he’s all about. He’s young and hungry and he’s a very dangerous fighter. This is the kind of opponent that I needed, someone to get me up for a fight. He’ll be coming for my scalp, but I’ve got big plans for 2019 and he won’t be getting in the way of them.
“The Heavyweight landscape is always changing and you need to be ready to take your chances. There’s a lot of big names in the division who all need dance partners and there’s no reason I can’t throw my name back in the mix with a couple more wins.”
Price vs. Ali is part of a huge night of action in Merseyside.
Main event sees former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith make his long-awaited Liverpool homecoming against Sam Eggington.
Newly-crowned European Super-Lightweight Champion Joe Hughes clashes with Liverpool’s British Champion Robbie Davies Jr in a mouth-watering domestic showdown, with both belts on the line.
Former Great Britain teammates Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald look to settle their longstanding feud in a dynamite Super-Welterweight clash.
Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.
There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.
SMITH TAKES ON EGGINGTON IN MARCH 30 LIVERPOOL HOMECOMING
Liam Smith will make his long-awaited Liverpool homecoming on March 30 when he takes on Sam Eggington at the M&S Bank Arena, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.
Smith became Liverpool’s first World Champion in over 20 years when he stopped American John Thompson to claim the WBO Super-Welterweight crown at the Merseyside arena in 2015 before making a second successful defence of the title against Predrag Radosevic at the same venue in 2016.
‘Beefy’ hasn’t fought in his home city since and is itching to get back under the lights as he sets about winning back a version of the World title he bravely lost against pound-for-pound star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Texas in 2016, and in doing so becoming the city’s first two-time World Champion.
Former European Welterweight Champion Eggington knows he is fighting for his career after suffering a shock stoppage defeat to Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo at Arena Birmingham in September.
‘The Savage’ was preparing to face former World ruler Brandon Rios at Wembley Stadium when he was wiped out by the dangerous African, but the Stourbridge man believes a win against Smith would put his name back in the mix for title action at 154lbs.
“It’s a very good fight for me,” said Smith. “I’ve done a lot – and I mean a lot – of sparring with Sam. You know what you are going to get with him. He comes to fight. You aren’t sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what he’s going to bring. You know exactly what he’s bringing.
“It’s the same with me and you know this is going to gel into a good fight. We will meet in the middle. It’s what we both do. I do feel, though, I do everything better than him and beyond. I feel if I ‘turn up’, you will all see what I mean.
“I am a big way back into boxing for him. And as we’ve sparred a lot, whatever confidence he can draw, he will try and draw some from that.
“I’ve got to do a proper job on Sam and a proper job is what I truly believe I will do. Having those little gloves on are so different to sparring and with those 10oz gloves on, I am massively confident I will find those gaps. Everything I throw will hit Sam and I just feel I have too good a variety for him to carry on going.”
Super-Welterweight rivals Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald put their unbeaten records on the line when they meet in one of the most eagerly-anticipated domestic clashes of the year. Preston’s Fitzgerald says he is a “different level” to Fowler’s previous opponents but ‘The Machine’ has vowed to “go through” his former teammate to set-up a mouth-watering clash with British Champion Ted Cheeseman.
Also on the bill, newly-crowned European Super-Lightweight Champion Joe Hughes clashes with Liverpool’s British Champion Robbie Davies Jnr in another tasty domestic showdown.
Malmesbury’s Hughes will be looking to build on a career-best win after he finally got his hands on the European title at the second time of asking after dominating Andrea Scarpa in Italy. Davies Jnr is looking to take another step up after claiming the British and Commonwealth titles in a bloody and bruising war with Glenn Foot at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle last October.
Popular Heavyweight David Price fights in Liverpool for the first time in nearly three years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division following his recent win over Tom Little at The O2.
There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover and ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas, with Liverpool Super-Lightweight Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell aiming to impress in front of his home crowd and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll looking to improve to 10-0.
“I can’t wait to be back in Liverpool on March 30, I love it there!” said Eddie Hearn. “This is one of the best all domestic cards we have put on in the city – Liam Smith returns from his World title defeat to face the all action Sam Eggington in what will be an absolute war and Anthony Fowler faces off against ex GB teammate Scott Fitzgerald in another crunch 154lb clash.
“The British and European Super-Lightweight titles are on the line for Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jnr and Joe Hughes and big David Price fights in Liverpool for the first time in nearly 3 years as he looks to make a charge in the Heavyweight division after his recent win at The O2. There’s plenty more action with rising Cruiserweight Craig Glover, Tom Farrell and Natasha Jonas – it’s going to be a busy night and a great event on March 30.”
Tickets for Smith vs. Eggington priced at £40, £60, £100 and £200 (Inner Ring VIP) are available to Fight Pass members via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) at midday on Tuesday January 22.
General Sale tickets are available to purchase via the M&S Bank Arena (www.mandsbankarena.com), Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com) and StubHub at midday on Wednesday January 23.
LITTLE: I’M WILLING TO GO TO PLACES THAT PRICE HAS NIGHTMARES ABOUT
Tom Little says he is mentally tougher than David Price and is planning on taking the Liverpudlian giant to ‘deep and dark places’ to get the win.
Little and Price clash on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s eagerly-anticipated rematch with Derek Chisora at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.
Like Little, Price has suffered back-to-back defeats in 2018. He was brutally stopped by Alexander Povetkin after initially flooring the Russian last March and then a fight against Sergey Kuzmin in September was cut short when Price suffered an injury.
Little believes Price is vulnerable and plans on taking full advantage when they meet over eight rounds.
“I’m mentally stronger than David,” said Little. “He’s going to let his last couple of defeats get to him whereas I’m just eager to put them behind me and move on. I’m willing to go to them deep and dark places to get the win.
“There are weaknesses there to be exposed. I can categorically say that this fight won’t go the distance. I’ve got the engine of a train and I won’t stop going. When I fought Filip Hrgovic I was getting better as the rounds went on, but I got cut. Never at any point was I gassing.”
He fought rising Heavyweight talent Daniel Dubois in his last outing at The O2 in June and took the Peacock Gym giant five rounds despite breaking his hand in the opening session, and knows he may have to show the same heart to get past Price
“David has the skill-set and the physique to stand me on my head,” added Little. “But I’ve got a heart bigger than David’s. There will never be any quit in me. Who wants it more? That’s the difference between me and him. I am willing to go to places that David has nightmares about.
“Against Daniel Dubois, I broke my hand in four places in the first round but I would never, ever say: ‘I’m done’. I believe that if you do it once you will do it again.”
A shot at a title could be the reward for Little if he upsets the odds against Price on Saturday but he also knows the ramifications for the loser of the fight.
“This is a game of hearts, and you have to put it on the line. Sometimes you have to bite down and go to lace that you don’t want to go. I’ve done that a couple of times. It ain’t all roses, honey and cuddles in the trenches. You have to fight your way out.
“This is a winnable fight. People expect me to get banged out but I’ve done rounds with David, and I know this is close. David doubts himself. I think his last couple of losses have taken a lot out of him and if the going gets tough he won’t want to know.”
Main event sees fierce Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora rematch after their Fight of the Year contender in December 2016.
Charlie Edwards gets a second shot at a World title when he challenges Cristofer Rosales for the WBC Flyweight World title, rising Croydon star Joshua Buatsi defends his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against tough Australian Renold Quinlan, British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh puts his Lonsdale belt on the line against Watford’s Reece Bellotti, with Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley and Nigerian Middleweight Linus Udofia also featuring on the undercard.
Very limited General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)
PRICE: I’M LONGING FOR THAT BUZZ OF WINNING AGAIN
David Price is desperate to taste victory again after suffering back-to-back defeats against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin and Sergey Kuzmin.
The Liverpudlian giant faces Tom Little on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s highly-anticipated rematch with Derek Chisora this Saturday at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.
This is potentially the last throw of the dice for Price after a difficult 2018 and the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist plans on taking out Little in style to set-up some huge Heavyweight contests next year.
“I’m longing for that buzz of winning again,” said Price. “This is why Saturday is so important to me. I would love to get some momentum going and put together some good and see where it takes me, and then just go from there.
“It would be nice to get my hand raised, to get people congratulating me again, rather than commiserating with me. Instead of being the ‘nearly man’ or whatever, you’re a winner again. There’s nothing better than glory in sport. It’s what keeps fighters coming back. It’s that buzz, adulation, and everything that comes with it. It would be a good way to finish the year off.”
Price enters this weekend’s eight-round contest as a significant favourite but there’s no danger of him overlooking Little as he battles to keep his career breathing and he insists that the Hatfield man has his full respect.
“This fight is of the utmost importance really,” added Price. “It’s a massive fight that I just can’t afford to lose. It’s everything. Tom is a lot better than his record suggests, put it that way, but I would consider myself a level above him considering I’m a former British Champion and an Olympian.
“That’s not me being disrespectful as me and Tom get on well and we’ve done a hell of a lot of sparring together. He’s definitely bridged the gap from when I first started sparring him. I’m taking him really seriously. I still believe I’ve got something left in me to turn things around. There are that many big names in the Heavyweight division right now, or decent enough names, and everyone needs a dance partner.”
Main event sees fierce Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora rematch after their Fight of the Year contender in December 2016.
Charlie Edwards gets a second shot at a World title when he challenges Cristofer Rosales for the WBC Flyweight World title, rising Croydon star Joshua Buatsi defends his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against tough Australian Renold Quinlan, British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh puts his Lonsdale belt on the line against Watford’s Reece Bellotti, with Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley and Nigerian Middleweight Linus Udofia also featuring on the undercard.
Very limited General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)
PRICE AND LITTLE CLASH AT THE 02
David Price and Tom Little meet on the undercard of the crunch Heavyweight rematch between Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora at The O2 in London on December 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.
Liverpool puncher Price has suffered back-to-back stoppage defeats, each time on Anthony Joshua’s undercards, and admits he will be fighting for his career when he meets Hatfield’s Little next month.
He was stopped by Alexander Povetkin after initially flooring the Russian last March. Then a fight against Sergey Kuzmin in September was cut short when Price suffered an injury.
The 35-year-old is determined to prove that he can still mix it with the top Heavyweights and is aiming to end 2018 on a high as he bids to return to title contention.
Little, 31, has previously shared the ring with Rio 2016 Olympic Bronze medallist Filip Hrgovic and fast-rising Heavyweight talent Daniel Dubois, who he took five rounds before being stopped in June.
“This is a real fight,” said Price. “He’s well schooled now and he’s also as tough and game as they come. I can’t go from fighting the likes of Alexander Povetkin and Sergiy Kuzmin to fighting knock-over jobs because I need the threat in front of me.
“I know Tom Little really well and he knows me. We’ve done lots of rounds of sparring and I’ve seen him improve a lot during that time. He’s certainly closed the gap that was between us when we first started sparring.
“With the Heavyweight division, there are big fights everywhere. There are so many big names around and they all need dance partners. There are massive opportunities for the winner of this fight on offer.
“What awaits the victor is part of what will make this a cracking fight. Tom has a couple of losses in his last couple of fights and so do I, so we’re both fighting for our careers in this one.”
“I’m delighted and privileged to be fighting on such a great card,” said Little. “This is a massive PPV show on a massive platform in Sky Sports. I’m fighting a huge name and it’s a dream come true to be honest.
“Not to discredit David but I think his last couple of losses have taken a lot out of him and that will be the difference on the night. I think I’m mentally stronger than David, he’s going to let his last couple of defeats get to him whereas I’m just eager to put them behind me and move on.
“I’m willing to go to them deep and dark places to get the win. I’m expecting a very rough fight, it’s going to steal the show. One way or the other, this fight won’t be going the distance.”
Price vs. Little is part of a huge night of boxing in the capital.
Main event sees fierce Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora rematch after their Fight of the Year contender in December 2016.
Charlie Edwards gets a second shot at a World title when he challenges Cristofer Rosales for the WBC Flyweight World title and British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh puts his Lonsdale belt on the line against Watford’s Reece Bellotti, with further exciting fights to be announced soon.
Tickets for Whyte vs. Chisora 2 are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300 and £600 (Inner Ring VIP)
General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)