DAVID PRICE wants to get his boxing year off to a knockout start at Leigh Sports Village on Friday night (19th March)

 

Liverpool's 6ft 8in Olympic bronze medallist faces his first British professional opponent, Heywood's Martin Grainger (3-2) in a heavyweight four rounder

 

Price (4-0) hasn't boxed this year because of a hand injury, but said: "I am in good shape and want to start 2010 with a bang.

 

"Last year was up and down because I changed promoters, but Frank Maloney kept me busy and I also had quality sparring with guys like Tom Dallas.

 

"I am just itching to get in the ring and fight as often as possible and when I reach double figures start thinking of titles."

 

Promoter Maloney, who steered Lennox Lewis to the undisputed world heavyweight title, might take his latest protégé to America for sparring later this year.

 

He added: "I was worried about David's right hand initially, but he has been patient and got right. We really are going to see some explosive punching from him now."

 

Top of the bill is Martin Lindsay (15-0), the man tipped to become Ireland's next big star. He makes the first defence of his British featherweight title against Welshman Jamie Arthur (16-2).

 

Other stars on the bill include Olympic bronze medallist David Price, British flyweight champion Shinny Bayaar, ex-British bantamweight champion Gary Davies, Paul Edwards, Dave Ferguson, Karl Place, Rick Goddins and unbeaten lightweight John Watson,

 

Tickets for are available for £40 and £80 ringside from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com