WHEN Liverpool heavyweight David Price’s head hits the pillow at night he dreams of the following scenario: this Saturday, March 31, he connects with a powerful right hand, one of the hardest single shots in the heavyweight division, and knocks out controversial Russian Alexander Povetkin early in their fight; then, a few months later, he boxes the winner of Saturday’s main event, Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker, in a money-spinning multi-world title fight.
That’s the dream at least.
“The upside in this (Povetkin) fight is so big,” the 34-year-old told Boxing News. “This game is all about risk and reward and the reward versus the risk in this is massive. If I win this fight, I know what it could lead to.
“In boxing, you’re not fighting for a purse, you’re fighting for your next fight’s purse. You’re getting your purse whatever happens. But the incentive to win is the next fight’s purse.
“It’s simple enough. If I beat Povetkin, I’m right in line for the biggest fight in the division.”
As for what’s currently described as the biggest fight in the division, Price, 22-4 (18), struggles to see a way Parker can leave Cardiff with the WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles. It’s why, when he dreams of his ideal scenario, and a career turnaround, Price visualises sharing a ring with a fellow Briton, not a New Zealander.
“I think Joseph Parker has got to try and frustrate Joshua for the first six rounds and box on the back foot, circle around him, and try and dart in with his fast feet and land some quick shots on the way in,” says Price. “But I think Joshua will catch up with him somewhere between the eighth and tenth and get him out of there.”
