David Price showed what heavyweight boxing is really about with an impressive second-round stoppage of former world title challenger Matt Skelton to retain his British and Commonwealth titles in Liverpool. While former cricketer Andrew Flintoff's flirtation with professional boxing stole the headlines, Liverpudlian Price sought to enhance his growing reputation as a future world champion at Aintree Racecourse.
The 29-year-old Olympic bronze medalist followed impressive recent wins over the likes of John McDermott, Sam Sexton and Audley Harrison with a similarly destructive hammering of veteran Skelton. But 6ft 8in Price (14-0, 12 KOs) was the overwhelming favourite as he looks to move onto European or world level in the next 12 months.
While he was expected to win - and win in style - Skelton was tipped to at least put up more of a fight than the champion's previous conquests.
"Matt put it on me straight away and we were not expecting that," he said.
"It took me by surprise even though we know what he is about. It was a bit scrappy at times but that is what happens when you fight Matt Skelton. Nobody has done that to him. It means something that I managed to take him out in two rounds.
"Nobody has done a number on him like that. He did make things a bit awkward for me at times. To be honest it has been difficult to get fights for me.
"After Audley Harrison I got straight back in the gym. It was only this week that I started getting excited about the fight. So I had to do a professional job.
"The body shots are something that we have been working on for some time.. I just don't get many opportunities to throw them. Usually I land the big shots to the head and guys have been going."
