Listen Now:
PRICE: MY NEXT OPPONENT IS BETTER THAN MCDERMOTT
DAVID PRICE steps up in class to face Raphael Butler next week and insists the American is better than future rival John McDermott.
The 6ft 8in man mountain has his first hometown fight in more than two years when he faces vastly experienced Butler (35-9) over eight rounds at Liverpool’s Olympia on Wednesday April 27.
The Olympic bronze medallist (9-0) is due to face McDermott in a British title eliminator in June, but said: “I think this fella is better John McDermott from what I have seen.
“McDermott is a step up but if I get through this I could view that as an easier fight.”
Price has been criticised over the level of opposition he has faced, but the Minnesota man has knocked out 28 of his opponents and there can be no complaints.
Recently Price stopped Osborne Machimana, who had beaten former WBO champion Corrie Sanders. Through no fault of Price or his team the South African turned up out of shape.
Price added: “All we got given was Machimana’s record so we had to agree for the fight. We could have said we didn’t fancy the fight because of his record, but he came in bad shape.
“I am sure this Butler is going to come in shape. He also competes in MMA and won in that sport recently so I am sure he will be in shape.”
Promoter Frank Maloney fired back at the knockers saying: “I don’t agree with the criticism of David’s opponents.
I am the one who picks his opponents. I am the one who has to guide his career and I agree the opponents with David’s trainer Frannie Smith.
“He gets in there and fights them. He does what he has got to do.”
In a mouth-watering main event British featherweight champion John Simpson (22-7) faces Liverpool’s Commonwealth king Stephen Smith (11-0) in a rematch.
In their first meeting last year Smith took a controversial points decision, but Simpson bounced back by taking Martin Lindsay’s British crown.
Also on the bill is British flyweight champion Paul Edwards (8-0). He has a non-title fight against Kevin Coglan (2-2)
The rest of the undercard is stacked with local talent including Liam Vaughan (1-0), John Quigley (1-0), Kevin Satchell (4-0), Ryan Farrag (2-0), and Steve Harkin (5-1-1).
The show will be televised live by Sky Sports.
Tickets priced £35 and £65 are available0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com.
