Anthony Joshua the target for resurgent David Price
Monday 20 June 2016 13:41, UK
David Price believes he is the stand-out contender to face Anthony Joshua in the unbeaten heavyweight's next contest.
But Price (20-3-0-KO17) admits he will need "a couple of fights" to enhance his profile ahead of what would be a showdown between two British Olympic medallists.
The 32-year-old is in confident mood after ending a 10-month spell out of the ring with a second-round stoppage victory over Vaclav Pejsar on the undercard of Tony Bellew's win over Ilunga Makabu at Goodison Park last month.
That win put him 12th in the IBF rankings, a return to the top 15 of the list after losses to Tony Thompson and Erkan Teper, who both subsequently failed drugs tests.
The Liverpudlian now has Joshua, who faces Dominic Breazeale on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday night, in his sights.
"There's definitely room for me," he said. "There will always be room for a 6ft9, 20-stone heavyweight who can knock people out with either hand.
"With my pedigree, there has to be room for me. I've been reinstated in the top 15 with the IBF which makes me eligible should Anthony Joshua make another defence this year.
"Realistically, it could happen this year if I get a move on and get a couple of fights because that's important. I need to keep people talking about me and keep my momentum going.
"I don't see anyone else in the top 15 who stands out more than me and he will probably see it as an easy fight because of my defeats.
"It's a big fight between two big British Olympic medallists but it's completely in the hands of the other side, it's not in my hands."
Price lost to Thompson twice in 2013 and to Teper in July 2015, losses which remain the only blemishes on his 23-fight record.
The fact both opponents have since failed drugs tests has left Price feeling frustrated.
"I 100 per cent feel cheated - they're suspended for a reason, because they have used performance-enhancing drugs," he said. "Things might have turned out differently if those fighters hadn't been what they were on.
"I've still got a massive amount to offer."
Watch Anthony Joshua vs Dominic Breazeale live on Sky Sports Box Office from The O2, June 25. Book the event via your Sky remote or online here.
