Joshua: David Price picks his top five British heavyweights
Tuesday 21 June 2016 12:32, UK
Ahead of Anthony Joshua's first world title defence, we asked former British and Commonwealth champion David Price to list his top five heavyweights in Britain - and tell us the reason behind his choices.
IBF world heavyweight champion Joshua will battle Dominic Breazeale on Saturday night at The O2, live on Sky Sports Box Office, so we wanted to know where Price puts Joshua in his ranking of British heavies - and whether the Liverpudlian makes his own elite list.
Here are Price's picks...
1. Tyson Fury
I am not exactly his biggest fan but I am definitely warming to him. We had our differences in the past and I would love to reignite that rivalry, but right now, I have got a lot of respect for him.
He is the heavyweight champion of the world and he did everything he said he was going to do - even if when he started saying it, I wasn't sure it was going to come true. But he did it. He did what he said he would do.
I know he has upset a few people with the things he has said, but there is something likeable about him. People should remember just what he did: he beat Wladimir Klitschko.
He is the champion of the world, never mind Britain. He did everyone a big, big favour.
Fury is the heavyweight champion of the world and he did everything he said he was going to do - even if when he started saying it, I wasn't sure it was going to come true. But he did it. He did what he said he would do.
2. David Haye
You can only beat what is put in front of you, but unfortunately Haye has been putting them in front of himself. He has paid his dues in the past and I know he has had some time out, but I am not sure he needs to prove himself, when he has already done that.
You cannot deny that Haye has been to the top, but the one thing people want now is value for money. He will step it up. His punch-power and accuracy are second to none, it's just the speed that worries me.
3. Anthony Joshua
He is only young and 16-0 but there is already a problem: where does AJ go next?
It is going to need some great match-making because is he ready to take on the very best in the world? He is a work in progress and even he admits that. But I am sure he wants to keep the momentum going and I would love to fight him.
It all depends on timing and I would probably need a couple more fights, but let's be honest, Joshua will still be the IBF world champion so I would love to fight him for that. Who wouldn't?
4. David Price
I have heard of this bloke. He's a bit of a dark horse: he's 6ft 9in, about two stone heavier and I believe he's been British and Commonwealth champion before. People are still saying he's rubbish but I have a feeling they are getting it all wrong.
In all seriousness, I am finally injury free. I had an elbow problem for years and couldn't use my jab properly, but as short as my win over Vaclav Pejsar was, it was ripping his face to bits.
I wouldn't put myself on a pedestal just because I lost to two 'drug cheats' but I am back, I have a new trainer in Dave Coldwell, and it would be nice if something went my way.
5. Dereck Chisora
Dereck is a good fighter. His last fight was against Kubrat Pulev and Pulev is in the world's top five for me and I have done a lot of work with him. Dereck went over there and he gave it everything, but I still believe he's got plenty left to offer.
I am not saying I am too good to fight Dereck, but after those two defeats it would be nice - if something went my way for once - to be put back where I was. That would mean I probably wouldn't fight Dereck. But he is still very good and very tough. People often use the word 'gatekeeper' but Dereck is very good in his own right.
