OLYMPIC bronze medallist David Price is certain he can make the grade as a professional and has revealed a once-hidden aggressive streak is becoming a key feature in his boxing.
Price, 25, will make his pro debut when he takes on David Ingleby in Liverpool, in a feature six-round contest, on March 28.
And he has revealed how his tactics are changing as he prepares for a career in the paid ranks.
He said: “My aggression is starting to come out now I’m a pro. I’m not just a boxer looking to score points and keep people at range with my jab.
“I’m planting my feet and doing damage. I’m six foot eight and 18-stone – fighting the way I did as an amateur wasn’t natural for a man of my size.
“It now feels as if this is the natural way for me to fight. I think I only boxed the way I did as an amateur because it was necessary for me to do so.
“The computer scoring system makes you develop a style that can only be used in the amateur game. I’m now boxing how I should have boxed years ago. I feel a lot more at home as a pro.”
The Commonwealth Games gold medallist added: “I’m a much better fighter now than I was in the Olympics.
“I think if I’d have boxed with my pro style in the amateurs I’d have been even more successful.
“I’m just an all-round better fighter now. My feet are planted more and I’m throwing with bad intentions.”
Price warned Ingleby their fight is likely to be a short one, despite agreeing to extend it from four rounds to six.
He said: “Without sounding big-headed, I’m not expecting my first fight to go the distance anyway.
“With the power I’ve been generating in sparring and in the gym, I don’t see many opponents lasting the full six rounds on my debut.”
Tickets for Hayemaker 6: The Mersey Beatdown are available from just £28 from the ECHO Arena box office or by calling 0844 8000 400. The card is now topped by the all-Scouse British super-middleweight title match-up between Tony Dodson and Tony Quigley
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