This coming weekend has no world title in mens boxing but it does have arguably the most anticipated rematch of the year as English Heavyweight David Price (15-1, 13) tries to avenge his sole loss to American veteran Tony Thompson (37-3, 25).
The men first fought back in February of this year and going in to that bout Price was an unbackable favourite priced around 1/10. He had taken not only a perfect 15-0 record in to the ring but was dismantling his opponents in double quick time and being built up as the heir apparent to the Klitschko throne.
Price's rise to the top was derailed in eye catching fashion as Thompson, a 41 year old best known for twice losing to Wladimir Klitschko, landed a looping right hand that sent Price down the canvas. Although Price got to his feet he was ruled unfit to continue by referee Steve Gray.
Returning to the UK Thompson will be looking to repeat the act though can lightning strike twice? Was it a fluke? Or has Thompson got Price's number?
Until the first Price/Thompson bout it's fair to say Price had never really been hit in the professional ranks. As an amateur he had claimed various titles and championships, including an Olympic bronze medal but there had always been doubts over his chin. He had been stopped with the headgear on multiple times and with out trying to sound too harsh, Thompson managed to expose that same issue in the professional ranks.
Offensively no one has any real doubt about Price. He has a lovely crisp jab, a concussive right hand. He should, with his size, reach and impressive hand speed be able to keep almost any heavyweight at distance where he really can dominate and hide his questionable chin. Last time out however he was caught whilst trying to throw an uppercut with his power hand, a mistake that in all honesty he should never have been making. In all honesty Price should never have to throw an uppercut in his career.
The first bout was a shock to everyone. Fans, the boxing media, Price and likely Thompson as well though it may also have served as a very important wake up call for Price. If (and it's a big if) Price realises he's susceptible to toppling any time he's caught then he should be able to just rely on his boxing and his jab and take a clear decision. If not, and if he thinks he needs to go for the stoppage, he could be in for another very disappointing night.
For those who haven't seen it, the first fight, in full, can be seen below thanks to BoxingNEWS1.
Betting
Again Price is the betting favourite (3/10) with Thompson the underdog (10/3) though the odds are much closer this time around. Interestingly the bookies have Price by TKO/KO/DQ as the most likely outcome (1/2) whilst Thompson by stoppage is viewed as a pretty longshot (9/2) despite the fact he's shown the ability to do it.
Prediction
We've seen how easily Price can be stopped and we also know that Thompson is tough, relaxed in the ring, patient and thoroughly under-rated. Sure Price can out box him but we genuinely believe that if Thompson goes out to win then he really should be able to stop Price again.
Thompson TKO7
The men first fought back in February of this year and going in to that bout Price was an unbackable favourite priced around 1/10. He had taken not only a perfect 15-0 record in to the ring but was dismantling his opponents in double quick time and being built up as the heir apparent to the Klitschko throne.
Price's rise to the top was derailed in eye catching fashion as Thompson, a 41 year old best known for twice losing to Wladimir Klitschko, landed a looping right hand that sent Price down the canvas. Although Price got to his feet he was ruled unfit to continue by referee Steve Gray.
Returning to the UK Thompson will be looking to repeat the act though can lightning strike twice? Was it a fluke? Or has Thompson got Price's number?
Until the first Price/Thompson bout it's fair to say Price had never really been hit in the professional ranks. As an amateur he had claimed various titles and championships, including an Olympic bronze medal but there had always been doubts over his chin. He had been stopped with the headgear on multiple times and with out trying to sound too harsh, Thompson managed to expose that same issue in the professional ranks.
Offensively no one has any real doubt about Price. He has a lovely crisp jab, a concussive right hand. He should, with his size, reach and impressive hand speed be able to keep almost any heavyweight at distance where he really can dominate and hide his questionable chin. Last time out however he was caught whilst trying to throw an uppercut with his power hand, a mistake that in all honesty he should never have been making. In all honesty Price should never have to throw an uppercut in his career.
The first bout was a shock to everyone. Fans, the boxing media, Price and likely Thompson as well though it may also have served as a very important wake up call for Price. If (and it's a big if) Price realises he's susceptible to toppling any time he's caught then he should be able to just rely on his boxing and his jab and take a clear decision. If not, and if he thinks he needs to go for the stoppage, he could be in for another very disappointing night.
For those who haven't seen it, the first fight, in full, can be seen below thanks to BoxingNEWS1.
Betting
Again Price is the betting favourite (3/10) with Thompson the underdog (10/3) though the odds are much closer this time around. Interestingly the bookies have Price by TKO/KO/DQ as the most likely outcome (1/2) whilst Thompson by stoppage is viewed as a pretty longshot (9/2) despite the fact he's shown the ability to do it.
Prediction
We've seen how easily Price can be stopped and we also know that Thompson is tough, relaxed in the ring, patient and thoroughly under-rated. Sure Price can out box him but we genuinely believe that if Thompson goes out to win then he really should be able to stop Price again.
Thompson TKO7