Tuesday 16 August 2016 11:45, UK
David Price is evolving into a "devil" after revealing his gym knockout of Anthony Joshua, according to his trainer Dave Coldwell.
The Liverpool heavyweight ruthlessly explained "the worst kept secret in boxing" to Sky Sports last week - claiming he put the up-and-coming Joshua "flat on his face" during sparring.
Coldwell has welcomed Price's nasty side as he bids to fill a vacancy to challenge for Joshua's IBF title in November.
He's like the Big Friendly Giant. I've told him he needs to get that dog in him, get that devil in him.
"There comes a point in a man's life where he's fed up of being absolutely ridiculed and written off," Coldwell exclusively told Sky Sports. "He gets a little bit of devil about him. That's what's happened.
"I've always said he's too nice, too amiable, too soft. He's like the Big Friendly Giant. I've told him he needs to get that dog in him, get that devil in him.
"I love it! I've known him since before he was a pro, he's always been a nice fella and a gentle giant. His warm-ups were so laid back, there was no attitude to go out and destroy. I like this attitude that Pricey is getting - he's a massive, 20st man and he needs to impose himself by being a vicious animal.
"If you're a big puncher, you've got to let them know you're a big puncher. That's what's going to be happening in his fights now."
Coldwell suggested that Price's uncharacteristic decision to spill the beans about his now-infamous sparring session with Joshua is a result of not being taken seriously as a potential world title challenger.
Price is ready to accept the November date should Joshua's promoters call, Coldwell confirmed, and the Liverpudlian will bring his newfound attitude to the ring.
He said: "A lot of things have been said about Pricey not being worthy, how Joshua is so far advanced. But they both know what happened in sparring. The people that were there know exactly what happened.
"What Pricey is saying is that if Joshua is struggling for an opponent, he's in. He's willing.
"You never know. Did Kell Brook expect to get a phone call telling him he's fighting Gennady Golovkin? That's where we are.
"If Eddie Hearn and AJ need an opponent, Pricey is on the other end of the phone and he'll take the fight. You don't turn down a world heavyweight title shot. If not, we'll fight Joseph Parker in order to get the opportunity."
