Paul Smith told Ringside that David Price can lead Liverpool's bid to become Britain's boxing capital.
Price and co have got Liverpool 'buzzing' says Smith
It was Sheffield in the 1990s and Manchester in the 2000s, but is Liverpool set to emerge as the latest hotbed of British boxing?
The likes of Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Tony Bellew, Olympic heavyweight David Price and lightweight Derry Mathews will all top bills on live
Sky Sports shows over the next few weeks and the
Ringside guests agreed that Merseyside is establishing itself on the map.
Proud Scouser and former British champion Paul Smith explained that the new breed of fighters are creating a buzz in the city and he feels Liverpool is set to claim the mantle of Britain's boxing capital.
"It's buzzing," he told
Ringside.
"I believe cities look at other cities and think that they want to do it. When the Sheffield lot were doing it I was 12 or 13 and when the Manchester lot were doing it I was on the edge of the seniors.
"Our batch have come through and we're doing it now. In the pros it seems to be Liverpool that seems to be doing it.
"You'll find it will be peaks and troughs with other areas. Some will come through, while some will simmer down a little bit like Manchester.
"That will be back again soon and with Kell Brook and hopefully more Sheffield lads coming through, they'll probably be back."
Massive
Liverpool could be set to herald their first ever British heavyweight champion if Olympic bronze medallist Price can overcome Sam Sexton in front of his home fans at Aintree Racecourse on May 19.
And Smith believes that Price, who is unbeaten in 12 professional fights, could become a major name in international boxing.
"He's massive, but he won't just be looking at Liverpool," Smith added.
"It's okay saying that. He's from Liverpool and he's a proud Scouser, but he could be a global superstar. He's got the tools, he's got the talent and he's got the ability."
Improve
Fellow
Ringside guest Glenn McCrory agreed that Price has shown tremendous improvement, particularly in his stoppage of the experienced John McDermott last January.
And he says we will learn more about his potential when he steps into the ring with former Prizefighter champion Sexton next month.
"He's doing so good after a quiet start when he didn't seem to improve," McCrory said.
"The moment they upped him in levels and the moment they put him in with some decent fighters was the moment he started to shine.
"I think he'll just get better and better with the better quality of opponent. Against John McDermott he took a couple of early shots on the chin no bother at all and he was quick to get McDermott out of there.
"But all of a sudden he can't rely on the big punch. Sexton is a different sort of opponent. He's got to remember his jab and remember what else he's got and not just go crazy.
"He's still learning his way in the pro game."
