By Jake Donovan

It's now officially safe to say that 2013 has been a year to forget for David Price.

The former heavyweight prospect was forced to pull out of his planned December 14 ring return versus Evengy Orlov in Germany. A virus picked up during training camp left the Brit unfit to complete preparations, with bed rest taking the place of what would have been the final stages of training camp.

‘’It is unfortunate but these things happen and one has to act responsibly,‘’ said promoter Kalle Sauerland of Sauerland Event, who signed Price earlier this fall.

Saturday's show would have marked Price's debut under the Sauerland banner, though the first quarter of 2014 is now targeted for such an event.

"This is a minor set back and has no effect on our plans for Pricey," Sauerland continued. "He will be back in the ring at the beginning of the New Year.’’

The withdrawal from Saturday's show adds to what has been a miserable year for the 30-year old heavyweight. Back-to-back knockout losses to Tony Thompson represent the lone two bouts of the year for Price, who recently vacated a domestic title, thus passing on an opportunity to face countryman Dereck Chisora.

Still, a rebuilding plan was in place for the heavyweight hopeful, one which requires him at full strength and confidence in order to return to past glory and potential.

‘’Obviously I am disappointed,’’ said Price (15-2, 13KO). ‘’I was looking forward to my first fight back but I wouldn’t be doing myself or my fans justice by taking the fight when I am anything less than 100%.’’

The balance of the December 14 show in Neubrandenburg remains intact. Headlining the show, Jurgen Braehmer faces unbeaten American contender Marcus Oliveira for a vacant light heavyweight belt.

Also in action, undefeated top heayweight contender Kubrat Pulev bides his time for a mandatory title shot versus Wladimir Klitschko, as he faces Joey Abell—who replaces Sherman Williams—in a stay busy bout.

 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board, Yahoo Boxing Ratings Panel and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox