Liverpool's, David Price, will meet American veteran, Tony Thompson, on Saturday 23 February at Liverpool's Echo arena. The International heavyweight bout is scheduled for 12 rounds with no titles on the line.
The unbeaten 29-year-old Liverpudlian, 15(13)-0-0, had a magnificent 2012. He claimed the vacant English belt at the start of the year, knocking out John McDermott in just 1 round. Price, then knocked out Sam Sexton in 4 rounds in May as he claimed the vacant British and commonwealth belts. In October, he destroyed Audley Harrison in only 1 round to defend his British and commonwealth belts and then knocked out Matt Skelton in 2 rounds to defend the belts.
Thompson, 36(24)-3-0, is 41 years old and currently resides in Washington, USA. He is a former USA Maryland state, WBC Continental Americas and WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight titlist. In July 2008, he fought Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles. Thompson, though, was knocked out in the 11th round after being dominated for the duration of the bout. He then managed to work his way towards another World title shot in July last year. His opponent, again, was Wladimir Klitschko. Unfortunately for Thompson, it was to be two and out as he was stopped in the 6th round. He barely made it up on to his feet after being sent to the canvas.
Price, is currently ranked 9th in the World by the WBC, 8th by the IBF and 14th by the WBO. Thompson, is ranked 11th by the IBF. This is regarded as Price's toughest test to date considering Thompson's wealth of experience. Price, as yet, has not faced an opponent from any International boxing organization of Thompson's calibre. For the American, this will be the first time he will fight in Britain. He faces a boisterous and passionate crowd, with the vast majority cheering for Price.
It is fair to say that considering Thompson's age and the style in which he has lost fights in the past, a win for him would be considered a shock. Price, is 12 years younger and has practically been knocking every opponent out he has faced.
For Thompson, victory would definitely boost his chances of gaining a third shot at a World title. For Price, victory would certainly propel him towards getting that dream World title shot.
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Price review