By Jake Donovan

It’s commonplace for fighters claiming to be in peak physical condition heading into any given fight, but for David Price’s sake, let’s hope he means it.

The 6’8” heavyweight endures the toughest test of his current rebuilding tour, facing unbeaten Erkan Teper in a vacant regional heavyweight title on July 17 in Ludwigsburg, Germany. The bout marks his fifth since suffering back-to-back losses in 2013 to Tony Thompson at home in Liverpool, England. 

Price gutted his entire team following the losses. Included among the moves made were his signing with Sauerland Event, now fighting for the fifth time away from the United Kingdom, insisting there has been a different feel to his preparation for this particular bout.

“This has been the toughest training camp I’ve ever been involved in,” said Price (19-2, 16KOs), through a media statement through the press office of promoter Sauerland Event. “But that’s only right because this is the biggest fight of my career. You push your body to the limit and spend a lot of time tired and aching, but now, the hard work is done, and I can’t wait to get over there and take that title.  
 
“I couldn’t be better prepared. I’m fired up and ready to go. All the hard work I‘ve done with Franny Smith and my strength and conditioning coach John Noonan has really paid off. It’s been the perfect camp. I’m injury free, I’ve been looking after myself, getting regular treatments and physio, and I honestly feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.”

The matchup came about when Teper’s promoter, Z!-Promotions won a purse bid hearing for the right to promote the event. Price’s team was planning a June 26 homecoming, which would have put this fight in jeopardy. His placement on a bill in Liverpool was to come in supporting capacity of an event promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. 

Price—who has won four straight entering this bout—was forced to withdraw from the June 26 bill after suffering a neck injury that required two weeks of physical rehabilitation, just long enough to miss the homecoming but still keep alive his ordered fight with Teper. European Boxing Union (EBU) rules stipulate that a fighter is not permitted to compete for its title within 28 days of said boxer’s last ring appearance. 

Withdrawing was not an option, as Price and his team had already committed to negotiations and entering the purse bid hearing. The rules differ from “world” sanctioning bodies, where fighters seem to have the luxury of withdrawing from a fight simply due to being displeased with terms for an ordered fight. Had Price withdrawn from the scheduled bout with Teper, he was likely facing a fine and lengthy suspension, the latter causing more harm than good for the 32-year old heavyweight whose comeback has already been stalled by injuries.

Coincidentally (though some would argue, conveniently), it was an injury that led to his most significant fight in more than two years. The British heavyweight is confident of rising to the occasion. 

“This isn’t a fight where I’ve had to go looking for motivation” notes Price. “There is a massive carrot dangling in front of me. If I win this fight, not only am I European champion, but also back in contention for a shot at the world title. There’s no way I’m going to let this opportunity pass me by.
 
“I just need to stay calm and stick to the game plan. It’s a big occasion and a big fight for me, but emotionally I need to be cold. I need to keep a clear head and follow instructions. I’ve given 110 per cent in training and I’ll be giving 110 per cent in the ring, and I’m confident that will be enough to win me the belt.”

The EBU heavyweight title became available after its previous claimant, Tyson Fury vacated in order to pursue a showdown with World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox