David Price's trainer has backed the Liverpudlian to halt Matt Skelton inside six rounds on Saturday night.

Price already has three knockout victories to his name this year and Franny Smith, who trains the British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, expects another explosive win against Skelton at the Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool.

He said: "Big Skelton presents a completely different challenge to Audley (Harrison). Matt's really courageous, will come to fight and be prepared to go out on his shield. It's not in his nature to seek a back door entrance.

"We expect he'll try to rough 'Pricey' up, make things scrappy, then stretch us into the later rounds and apply some pressure.

"Though David hasn't been past round seven and has wiped out his last eight by stoppage, trust me, he gets even better, hits even harder, as the rounds progress. He relaxes more and it all flows better.

"If Matt does make it to the later rounds he'll take a sustained beating but I doubt he'll see past round six."

Smith accepts that Price is not yet ready to face the division's top dog Wladimir Klitschko, but he believes the 29-year-old is making big strides and could beat WBA champion Alexander Povetkin.

"He's not too far off world level. I'd fancy the Povetkin fight if it was offered now. John McDermott has sparred both and assures me David punches too hard and is too strong already.

"For me Wladimir Klitschko is the true heavyweight champion of the world, the one to beat. He's provided the template for success for tall heavyweights.

"Already David has certain advantages with regard to size, range and a more powerful jab. Wladimir has edges in experience and knowledge. We'll be ready in 18 months....if he's still around."

Tags: David Price