Just Be A Little Patient!!!!

Sick of hearing about Price. "His opponents have been a joke" "He's being moved along at a pace that is a joke"
13 fights, his opposition has only gotten better, argue it either way you want, but facts are his opponents have gotten better.
He's not being moved along at a pace that is a joke, it really is ok, but people just seem to want him to be fighting world level fighters already, which to me is mindboggling.

Whats wrong with doing the Marvin Hagler route, seriously, what has happened to that? Building yourself up from the ground slowly, making sure you know the pro game inside and out before you challenge at the top?

It's also not like he's going at snail pace, ok, perhaps I'm over selling him a bit, but Audley is, a (Rightful) ex-European Champion and former world title challenger, and just beat a decentish domestic fighter in Ali Adams, which shows he's still above most on the domestic scene, even now.

And for this to be his 14th fight, I honestly don't think it's that bad, Sam Sexton is half decent, and gave Chisora a real tough close contest until being stopped, proving he is an ok domestic opoonents also and the manner of victory has to be take into account, total domination and an early finish.

Wladimir Klitschko's 14th opponent was the incredible Jerry Halstead...
Vitali Klitschko's 14th opponent was the legend Marcus Rhode....
Amir Khan's 14th was Scott Lawton

Basically what I'm saying is, Price's opposition is not really either much further ahead, or much further behind these guys who are (Or have been) Established World Champs, PRice's opposition is fine, he will obviously be stepping it up because his opposition has only gotten better, and clearly Audleys name still (Somehow) sells and is able to get more people talking about Price, should he pass the test.

Price is doing fine in my opinion, whats yours?

I agree that Price is doing fine at this stage. After Audley I expect that he'll fight someone that's a bit more of a challenge. If he doesn't, questions should be asked.

Ifboxingfanswerepatientforonedaytheirworldwouldfallapart.

I tend to agree some of the criticism of Price has been a bit silly, the only thing I think has been not quite what it should have is the frequency with which he fights but would guess the picture with Sky and Maloney's TV situation has hurt this. However to my mind there is no great rush, he is 29 now even if it takes them 3 years to get him into the title picture he is 32, by modern heavyweight standards that is still a pup.

I think that he gets a bit of stick because of his talent, he is doing just fine but people want more because he is clearly capable. Audley when you look at it is a solid opponent for a relative novice like Price but everyone knows Price will flatten him with ease and so they expect more.

I think it's a bit of a tightrope walk with Price right now. Alex, I do see your points and, in large, I do agree to one extent or another. However, there are a couple of mitigating factors, most notably the fact that Price just isn't fighting regularly enough. A switch to BoxNation may remedy this, however.

The thing is, saying that "so and so was only fighting so and so in his fourteenth fight, and Fighter A was only fighting Fighter B" and the like isn't always an accurate way to gauge matters. More than anything, I think it's the lamentable state of the Heavyweight division right now which is the source of much of the frustration and criticism aimed at Price's opposition thus far. You mention Hagler, well, when Marvin was similarly three years or so in to his professional career (as Price is), his division still featured a legitimate all-time great in Monzon as champion, a titlist in Valdes who'd surely have reigned for years in a few other eras, a promising Olympic bronze medallist in Minter who'd eventually claim the title himself, as well as the likes of Antuofermo, Briscoe, Seales (lest we forget, Seales himself was a gold medallist of serious repute) as well as the tough nuts such as Watts and Briscoe.

He fought - and beat - Seales in his fifteenth fight I believe, but with such a division around him he could easily have been forgiven for serving a long apprenticeship. When the division around you is as paltry as Heavyweight currently is, far less leniency is granted, rightly or wrongly. If the road to a title shot was littered with dangerous opponents, quality former champions or a series of hot prospects, then Price's opposition up until this point wouldn't be under such close scrutiny. But as the Klitschkos are currently having to defend against the likes of a recycled Thompson, a blown up Mormeck and a European-level Chisora, a whispering campaign will understandably gather pace, suggesting that if Price isn't ready for either a title shot or at the very least a consensus top five Heavyweight within the next twelve months, he may never be.

For what it's worth, I think the truth lies somewhere inbetween; Price does need to step up his opposition, I feel, but I'd also argue that what he's faced so far has been in no way at all a "joke" for someone whose career is still in its infancy. However, I'd question the importance of too many "learning" fights or domestic affairs when the gap between them and eliminator fights - or even world title shots - is so small in terms of quality. I'm fairly content with Price's progress right now, his relatively sparse schedule aside. But if there's no visible and appreciable step up in quality within a fight or so of the Audley blowout (which it'll be), then I'll start to worry, and I imagine so will plenty of others.

Tommy Hearns had 24 fights in the first 3 years of his career and only 2 of his opponents reached the final bell.

Said it before by Chisora is the fight I want to see. His name is pretty low now as he's had so many losses on the bounce however Price is a good name for him so the fight could still work/happen.

The problem I think Price faces is that even if he does step up his quality of opposition in the next three or four fights, he's still going to be in a situation where even if he secures a tilt at one of the K's, he won't have faced anyone with sufficient quality to prepare him for the massive step up in class he'll need to be competitve. (By the way, feel free to swap Price for Fury if it makes you feel better...the same applies to both as far as I'm concerned)

A few people are wanting Price to be the next British savior at HW and asking why he isn't steered towards the K's that bit quicker but I'd ask these people if they wanted him to receive a career damaging beating in the process? Yes, the K's won't go on forever and there could be an opportunity for price to step in but if he's been given an ego-sapping beating, is he going to want to step up?

Look at the KO Price inflicted on Tom Dallas...Dallas seems to have had all ambitions smashed out of him now. Imagine what Vitali or Wlad are going to do to Price if he's not ready for them.

Is this what we want, disposable heroes?

Price is just the next of a line of overhyped fighters. With the failures of Harrison, Haye, Froch and Khan the media will turn to Price as the next big thing while trying to make him look good by matching him against useless fighters like Harrison who is a walking punching bag.

i think price has fought decent opposition for a 13 fight novice. but they have suited him. dallas, mccdermott and sexton were all there to be KOd. will be interesting to see how he deals with audley if audley goes into his shell and starts spoiling. say what you like about audley but hes a better counter puncher and has better defensive skills than any of prices recent opponents. im not convinced by price yet, he reminds me of a younger tye fields

Gordy wrote:Price is just the next of a line of overhyped fighters. With the failures of Harrison, Haye, Froch and Khan the media will turn to Price as the next big thing while trying to make him look good by matching him against useless fighters like Harrison who is a walking punching bag.

Forgot Froch lost to Bute and was no longer world champion...

Gordy wrote:Price is just the next of a line of overhyped fighters. With the failures of Harrison, Haye, Froch and Khan the media will turn to Price as the next big thing while trying to make him look good by matching him against useless fighters like Harrison who is a walking punching bag.

Advance apologies to admin and mods. You're a dick.

superflyweight wrote:

Gordy wrote:Price is just the next of a line of overhyped fighters. With the failures of Harrison, Haye, Froch and Khan the media will turn to Price as the next big thing while trying to make him look good by matching him against useless fighters like Harrison who is a walking punching bag.

Advance apologies to admin and mods. You're a dick.

Well put.

superflyweight wrote:

Gordy wrote:Price is just the next of a line of overhyped fighters. With the failures of Harrison, Haye, Froch and Khan the media will turn to Price as the next big thing while trying to make him look good by matching him against useless fighters like Harrison who is a walking punching bag.

Advance apologies to admin and mods. You're a dick.

That's why we all love Gordy/Waingro so much......

88Chris05 wrote:I think it's a bit of a tightrope walk with Price right now. Alex, I do see your points and, in large, I do agree to one extent or another. However, there are a couple of mitigating factors, most notably the fact that Price just isn't fighting regularly enough. A switch to BoxNation may remedy this, however.

The thing is, saying that "so and so was only fighting so and so in his fourteenth fight, and Fighter A was only fighting Fighter B" and the like isn't always an accurate way to gauge matters. More than anything, I think it's the lamentable state of the Heavyweight division right now which is the source of much of the frustration and criticism aimed at Price's opposition thus far. You mention Hagler, well, when Marvin was similarly three years or so in to his professional career (as Price is), his division still featured a legitimate all-time great in Monzon as champion, a titlist in Valdes who'd surely have reigned for years in a few other eras, a promising Olympic bronze medallist in Minter who'd eventually claim the title himself, as well as the likes of Antuofermo, Briscoe, Seales (lest we forget, Seales himself was a gold medallist of serious repute) as well as the tough nuts such as Watts and Briscoe.

He fought - and beat - Seales in his fifteenth fight I believe, but with such a division around him he could easily have been forgiven for serving a long apprenticeship. When the division around you is as paltry as Heavyweight currently is, far less leniency is granted, rightly or wrongly. If the road to a title shot was littered with dangerous opponents, quality former champions or a series of hot prospects, then Price's opposition up until this point wouldn't be under such close scrutiny. But as the Klitschkos are currently having to defend against the likes of a recycled Thompson, a blown up Mormeck and a European-level Chisora, a whispering campaign will understandably gather pace, suggesting that if Price isn't ready for either a title shot or at the very least a consensus top five Heavyweight within the next twelve months, he may never be.

For what it's worth, I think the truth lies somewhere inbetween; Price does need to step up his opposition, I feel, but I'd also argue that what he's faced so far has been in no way at all a "joke" for someone whose career is still in its infancy. However, I'd question the importance of too many "learning" fights or domestic affairs when the gap between them and eliminator fights - or even world title shots - is so small in terms of quality. I'm fairly content with Price's progress right now, his relatively sparse schedule aside. But if there's no visible and appreciable step up in quality within a fight or so of the Audley blowout (which it'll be), then I'll start to worry, and I imagine so will plenty of others.

Some excellent points there Chris, and certainly I did overlook the correlation between a boxers progress and the strength of their division at the time. Would personally not worry too much with the lack of fights, as I think it's mainly to do with the Sky deal with Maloney struggling for dates, and I think it no coincidence that as soon as he signed his deal with BoxNation he had another fight lined up straight away and to be fair he has already fought twice this year and we're only just over halfway through it. Must agree though, if after Harrison there wasn't an EU strap or Fury or some seemingly genuine step up after I would also be scratching my head, however I don't believe (Or maybe just don't want to believe) that he would regress as Fury appears to have, and start facing the Vinny Maddalone's of this world, even if he is some kind of real-life Rocky!!

Oh, and Gordy just put a lid on it, you're clearly a WUM.

Alex, I tend to agree. Harrison is a very valid opponent for a novice fighter and will ask questions of Price. The fact that he only fights three or four times a year is what is really winding people up. Ali's 16th fight (two years after turning pro) was against Archie Moore, an all time great, but at the end of his career. I am NOT comparing Moore to Harrison, just using this as an example of a young fighter taking the opportunity to learn against a more experienced opponent who is there to be beaten. Price deserves time to learn, but please get a move on!!

Price's problem is that he doesn't fight often enough. He should be fighting every month or 6 weeks. That said, Audley is a good match up for him. No great shakes beating Audley but Aud has name recognition. Let's face facts, outside of his front room and hardcore fans, who knows Price? This fight should elevate him. Pity its stuck on Box Nation though.

But it wouldn't surprise me if Audley spoils the party with a straight left that glances his chin.

azania wrote:But it wouldn't surprise me if Audley spoils the party with a straight left that glances his chin.

alma wrote:The first paragraph I agreed with. The second paragraph I laughed at

There's a multitude of other threads on the matter. Price got wobbled once in the amateurs by the best in the world at the time which, ergo, means he has a glass chin that could get him knocked out just by blowing on it hard enough.

i can understand it, moving along slowly gaining experence before challenging the k bros etc but i still dont like it, aswell as the previously mentioned slow pace he's taking there are a few other problems i have.

1. he is learning very little from any of his fights at this level, mccdermott is the biggest puncher he has been in with, and every fighter has been much shorter. against the k bros you need a chin and experience against tall fighters.
2. his level isnt really improving, i'd argue theres just as much risk in fighting dallas as there is against a 41 year audley (i dont know why people suddenly start rating this guy and giving him a chance anytime he defys beleive and gets a top fight again).
3. he doesnt seem interested in looking for that defining fight, yes he did offer fury a fight, but he refused a good counter offer and tryed making out fury was scared. he never calls out opponents or gives any names of people he would like to fight.
4. he is missing a trick in keeping a low profile. vitali looks like he is losing his edge and is on the verge of retirement, if price had 2-3 good wins he could easily get that fight, and have the chance to gain the belt and be the man to topple him.

ill still watch him and would be a fan but i still wish he would step it up a gear. he's been boxing for years so he should just take a chance.

The 2008 Olympians have been a disgrace. Billy Joe has an excuse as he has been injured. The rest have had less than 15 fights in 4 years. No-one knows them and no-one cares.

Being moved slowly is one thing. Tyson was moved slowly in terms of quality of opposition but after 20 fights he stepped up. OK he fought very week practically. That is what Price needs to do. Perhaps his team are concerned about his chin.

even fury was fighting every 2 months or so when he was where price is now. what kind of message is he sending to wladimir? he doesnt fancy it now and he wont fancy it in 18 months

It seems that many boxers would rather spend time in the gym than figh in public. Pity that because although they may improve greatly in the gym, no-one gets to see them and as such they become nonentities.

Seeing as Warren has a good relationship with ze Germans I think Price will begin to feature on German undercards. It's the only real way he can get exposure cause the Germans love the heavys .

Az your up there with Gordy as a dick by the way, keep crying wolf about this chin of Prices. Nobody cares

I think its about the right kind of fights for Price. They want to develop him both as a boxer and commercially.

He could fight more often but it would most likely result in more pointless opponents and matches which probably wont appease the fans in any event.

It can be a difficult because Price seems to be heavy handed which means guys that ordinarily might offer a bit of a test are just being taken out early. Maloney is also looking for Price to headline shows and he cant really hold them every month and it doesnt seem Price is avaliable to fight on undercards elsewhere at the moment. Theres also a danger in fighting in undermatched opponents that you get into bad habits and become reliant on power to get the job done. Id want to get someone that can take Price into the later rounds and test him.

Id look to finish off Audley, try Chisora who would be a good test and then target the Euro strap before April next year.

azania wrote:The 2008 Olympians have been a disgrace. Billy Joe has an excuse as he has been injured. The rest have had less than 15 fights in 4 years. No-one knows them and no-one cares.

Being moved slowly is one thing. Tyson was moved slowly in terms of quality of opposition but after 20 fights he stepped up. OK he fought very week practically. That is what Price needs to do. Perhaps his team are concerned about his chin.

Fully with you here AZ, and the blame lies with them as much as their promoters- remember the promoter works for the boxer not the other way round. All of these guys should be fighting far more often and against a variety of opponents that ask different questions of them. The art of bringing boxers on seems lost. Price should have had nearer 30 fights by now, but instead theirs talk of title fights despite the fact that as a pro he is seriously green. He's 29, and needs to be learning his trade, and no amount of sparring is compensation for fighting. History shows that fighter that win titles too soon into their careers tend not to hold on to them for too long, it would be a shame if this happens to Price , who looks like he has potential.

Reborn-DeeMcK-Reborn wrote:Seeing as Warren has a good relationship with ze Germans I think Price will begin to feature on German undercards. It's the only real way he can get exposure cause the Germans love the heavys .

Az your up there with Gordy as a dick by the way, keep crying wolf about this chin of Prices. Nobody cares

Idiot.

horizontalhero wrote:

azania wrote:The 2008 Olympians have been a disgrace. Billy Joe has an excuse as he has been injured. The rest have had less than 15 fights in 4 years. No-one knows them and no-one cares.

Being moved slowly is one thing. Tyson was moved slowly in terms of quality of opposition but after 20 fights he stepped up. OK he fought very week practically. That is what Price needs to do. Perhaps his team are concerned about his chin.

Fully with you here AZ, and the blame lies with them as much as their promoters- remember the promoter works for the boxer not the other way round. All of these guys should be fighting far more often and against a variety of opponents that ask different questions of them. The art of bringing boxers on seems lost. Price should have had nearer 30 fights by now, but instead theirs talk of title fights despite the fact that as a pro he is seriously green. He's 29, and needs to be learning his trade, and no amount of sparring is compensation for fighting. History shows that fighter that win titles too soon into their careers tend not to hold on to them for too long, it would be a shame if this happens to Price , who looks like he has potential.

Promoters are the biggest vultures in the sport. I bet if Price was asked to fight every month he will. But they are keeping them behind deliberately so as not to risk anything. After his blow out of Fat Mac, he hardly exerted any energy. Why not fight in 4-6 weeks?

horizontalhero wrote:

azania wrote:The 2008 Olympians have been a disgrace. Billy Joe has an excuse as he has been injured. The rest have had less than 15 fights in 4 years. No-one knows them and no-one cares.

Being moved slowly is one thing. Tyson was moved slowly in terms of quality of opposition but after 20 fights he stepped up. OK he fought very week practically. That is what Price needs to do. Perhaps his team are concerned about his chin.

Fully with you here AZ, and the blame lies with them as much as their promoters- remember the promoter works for the boxer not the other way round. All of these guys should be fighting far more often and against a variety of opponents that ask different questions of them. The art of bringing boxers on seems lost. Price should have had nearer 30 fights by now, but instead theirs talk of title fights despite the fact that as a pro he is seriously green. He's 29, and needs to be learning his trade, and no amount of sparring is compensation for fighting. History shows that fighter that win titles too soon into their careers tend not to hold on to them for too long, it would be a shame if this happens to Price , who looks like he has potential.

II have to agree, all of the Warren contingent got far too big for there boots, with the exception of Saunders who has had his fair share of injury problems.

I think all the media hype, lucrative singing on fees and contract probably made them feel that they had already made it just by merely turning pro and just turning up. The attitude that DeGale had shown was an absolute disgrace, but being fair, Sky boxing pundits to massage his ego to the extent where he believed in his own hype. Especially after his dismantling of domestic level Paul Smith, who then proceeded to get spanked out by his conqueror in 2, which did put things in perspective.

Tony Jefferies is another who revelled in being the saviour of North East boxing with lots of promo's and media coverage. He fought he could banged out who ever was put in front of him. Not sure if he didn't put the effort in training, if he is just mediocre or a combination of both? The draw against Banbula was a farce and to say he didn't know it was an 8 rounder highlights the above. I mean, training to do six rounds when your a professional boxer seems odd to me.

And Frankie Gavin, the less said about him the better, he could be potentially one of British boxing’s biggest waste of talent.

I think valuable lessons will be learnt from 2008 crop, don't offer too much too soon and make them work for there success.

azania wrote:

Reborn-DeeMcK-Reborn wrote:Seeing as Warren has a good relationship with ze Germans I think Price will begin to feature on German undercards. It's the only real way he can get exposure cause the Germans love the heavys .

Az your up there with Gordy as a dick by the way, keep crying wolf about this chin of Prices. Nobody cares

Idiot.

Az has got a point though. I would like to see Harrison to land a good one on it to prove he can handle it. Audrey does have a fair bit of pop in his straight punches. At least to will get the 'Price hasn't got a chin brigade' of his back. But at the end of the day, the name of the game is to be hit and not be hit and he has done that to a tee so far.

AlexHuckerby wrote:

Wladimir Klitschko's 14th opponent was the incredible Jerry Halstead...
Vitali Klitschko's 14th opponent was the legend Marcus Rhode....
Amir Khan's 14th was Scott Lawton

The difference with Price and those 3 is the age. Price is 30 while Khan for instance was still a teenager.
I actually agree that Price shouldnt be put into the deep end to quickly but his learning curve would need to be steeper then most.

i know hes considered a novice, but the guy must have been boxing for years at a decent level. only tough fights are going to make he better now.