By James Slater: Tonight in his native Liverpool, unbeaten 28-year-old heavyweight hope David Price scored a sensational, statement-making 1st-round TKO over experienced Essex man “Big Bad” John McDermott. Three times the powerful right hand of the 6’8” giant sent 31-year-old McDermott crashing to the canvas.
After the third knockdown, with McDermott just failing to beat the count by a split second, referee Howard Foster waved the action off. The official time was just one minute and 13-seconds. Price, a bronze medallist at the Beijing Olympic games, is now 12-0(10). McDermott, a three-time British heavyweight title challenger, is now 26-8(17).
Coming out fast, looking to put the pressure on the taller, younger, but less experienced man from the start, McDermott was soon made to pay for his lack of defence. Backed up against the ropes but staying totally calm, Price landed a sharp, painful-looking uppercut with his right hand and down went a shocked McDermott.
A second, clubbing right hand to the head sent McDermott down a few seconds later and the writing was on the wall. Angry at what was happening to him, McDermott pounded the canvas in frustration before rising for a second time. Bravely trying to fight back upon rising, McDermott was soon floored for a third time; once again by the right hand of Price. McDermott was a whisker away from beating the count, but had he done so he would not have lasted too much longer. It’s tough not to feel some sympathy for McDermott, who had trained so hard.
As for Price, the sky is well and truly the limit. Tonight’s win was a final eliminator for the British heavyweight title, currently the property of one Tyson Fury.
“I know Tyson Fury will fight me,” Price said post-fight tonight. “Because he is a fighting man.”
Promoter Frank Maloney said the fight can happen as soon as March if the contest does not have to go to purse bids. In light of the two tough, gruelling nights unbeaten Fury had with McDermott (appearing to lose the decision in the first fight, bagging a 9th-round TKO in the rematch), Price – who holds an amateur win over Tyson – will enter the ring as a favourite if the showdown takes place.
For now, the modest Price can enjoy his first pro title; the English heavyweight belt is now his.