Price returns with first round knockout

Rebounding British heavyweight David Price returned to the ring tonight with a first round knockout over Istvan Ruzsinszky. Price (16-2-0, 14 knockouts) had to make do with the 5′ 11″ Hungarian as his scheduled opponent Konstantin Airich (19-7-2, 15 KOs) failed a pre-fight medical. The power puncher from Liverpool started the round off by finding his range, and when he did he landed two right hands to send Ruzsinszky (12-10-1, 8 knockouts) crashing to the canvas. The bout took place on the undercard of Marco Huck‘s cruiserweight title defense against Firat Arslan.

Afterwards, Price spoke of his short fight: “I enjoyed it, it was short but i enjoyed fighting in this beautiful arena in front of all the German people. Its a good chance for them to see what I’m capable of. I didn’t get much time to show what I have but in the future, they’ll see a lot more of myself.”

“I can only beat who’s in front of me, unfortunately there was an opponent change late in the week but that’s what you’ve got to do to an opponent like that. You’ve got to get them out of there and move on to the next fight. I’m targeting to keep busy, fight a lot and climb up the rankings and hope for a title shot next year sometime….and I’ll have to learn German.”

It was good to see Price on a high after his win. He has spent the past few months battling demons and recently seeked help of a sports psychologist to iron out the doubts and nerves he still carries, following back to back defeats against Tony Thompson. He should aim to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Dereck Chisora, by getting himself back out there winning and moving up in the rankings.

Price’s new chapter begins with Sauerland Event and he’s currently in training with American Tommy Brooks. Brooks has experience with former heavyweight world champions, including Holyfield, Tyson and the Klitschkos.

-David McIntosh / @daviemac89

-Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com