Wednesday 28 March 2018 15:07, UK
David Price says he would love to give a two-finger salute to his doubters if he pulls off a stunning upset win over Alexander Povetkin.
The Liverpudlian heavyweight has embraced his underdog role for Saturday's fight with Povetkin on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's unification clash with Joseph Parker, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Price can propel himself back into title contention by defeating Povetkin and would be tempted to give a defiant victory gesture to his critics.
"One thing I've never really liked to use as motivation was to prove people wrong, because I didn't think it was worth the energy of even considering doubters," Price exclusively told Sky Sports.
I would love to take my glove off and put two fingers up to everyone who has ever written me off, and demand an apology.
"But any motivation is good motivation and I would love to take my glove off and put two fingers up to everyone who has ever written me off, and demand an apology.
"I've got a big task in front of me, but I'm going to give it everything."
A former WBA world champion, Povetkin holds a high ranking with the governing body, and could force a fight with Joshua, the WBA 'super' champion.
The sole defeat on Povetkin's record is a points loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2013, with 23 of his 33 victories coming by knockout, but Price is paying little attention to his fearsome image.
"Everyone is going off reputation," he said. "Reputation is going to go out of the window on the night, because I'm not going to be scared of him.
"I'm not going to be gun-shy. I'm going in there to cause an upset and the reputation side of things doesn't bother me."
Price preferred not to reveal the identities of his sparring partners after undergoing part of his training camp in Germany and has returned with confidence that he can produce a career-best win in dramatic style.
"I believe I've got the power to knock any heavyweight out," said Price. "It's just about landing the shot, and he falls into that category."
