LIVERPOOL’S first Beijing Olympic medallist David Price is today preparing for the biggest bout of his life. But the giant boxer, speaking exclusively to the Daily Post, took time out in Beijing to send a message to legions of future Merseyside sports stars. Price, who hails from West Derby, secured Great Britain’s first boxing medal on Monday by stopping his opponent Jarloslav Jaksto in the first round. Now the former Cardinal Heenan pupil faces a bout with Italian Roberto Cammarelle this afternoon to reach the final and fight for Olympic gold. There is history between the two with Cammarelle, the reigning world champion, stopping him getting to the Athens games. But the 6ft 8in super-heavyweight still says he is relaxed. “I’m just chilled out at the moment and enjoying spending time with my family. “I’ve started training again to get ready for the fight but nothing heavy. “I’m just making sure I get into the right mind set. “I’m looking forward to it. I want to get out there and it will be the first time in a long time that there has been no pressure,” he adds. The promise of his family and girlfriend arriving in China to watch him has proven to be a massive spur. “Just seeing them was massive,” Price said. “Seeing fresh faces when you’re in this position is brilliant because we’ve been out here a while now and you get a bit homesick.” He has already paid tribute to the training and support he has received from Liverpool City Council and the Salisbury Boxing Club in Anfield where he spars. Last night he gave a direct message to the next generation of hopefuls who may now be setting their sights on London 2012 and beyond. The father-of-one said: “But just a message to everyone who has helped me and for the up and coming people in Liverpool: try your best to reach your goals and don’t give up. “Nothing happens overnight and so take your time, be patient and it will come.” The sound lesson comes after Price endured widespread criticism for failing to make it to the last Olympics. Since then he has grafted and risen to become not only the Great Britain boxing team captain but a real contender for Olympic glory. His ability to motivate is already proven as his lead in the Games is being followed by fellow boxing team mates. Light-heavyweight Tony Jeffries has made it to the medal stage and middleweight James DeGale fights tomorrow to make it three guaranteed medals. Now he is hoping that the likes of fellow Liverpool Elite Sports Scholarship boxer Neil Perkins will be inspired to realise their own dreams. Kevin Thompson, a Wavertree-based triple jumper, Jamie Fairclough, badminton, Vicky Griffiths, 800 metres athlete and Jenny Clague, marathon runner, are some of the Merseyside names who could follow in Price’s footsteps as successes to come out of the scholarship programme. | 
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