Undefeated Price favourite to beat veteran Thompson

Undefeated Price favourite to beat veteran Thompson

By Michael Gales Feb 14, 2013

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Pinnacle Sports’ boxing betting sees the big punching 1.091* favourite David Price go toe-to-toe with veteran Tony Thompson 8.010* in a heavyweight bout on February 23rd at the Echo Arena, Liverpool.

Giant Price looks for knockout punch

Englishman Price is ranked 8th in the IBF and 14th in the WBO, while Thompson is ranked 11th in the IBF.

Price has an unblemished 15-0 record and at 29-years-old is on the path to a world title fight. However, questions remain over the quality of opponent he has fought this far, and when he faces Thompson it will be the third fight in a row where the opponent is in his 40s.

The Liverpudlian adopts an orthodox stance and will enter the ring at 6ft 8 and with a reach of 82. Thompson meanwhile, will be 12-years older, and arriving with a 3 height deficit and a slight reach disadvantage.

Price looks for another knockout against Thompson

After 15-fights Price has gained a reputation of a big-puncher and has been knocking out opponents for fun.

After cleaning up the domestic division, Price is now dipping his toes into the international scene, and will look to make an impression by becoming only the second man to knock Thompson out – Wladimir Klitschko has KO’d Thompson twice.

Price has demolished John McDermott, Sam Sexton, Audley Harrison, and Matt Skelton inside a combined eight rounds, while his fights on average last 2.6 rounds.

With a knockout percentage of 86.67 and after winning his last nine fights by knockout, it is understandable why Price was named 2012 ESPN prospect of the year.

Price possesses a great right hand that he regularly delivers well and Thompson’s southpaw stance could potentially open up the opportunity for Price to land his money point.

Can Thompson upset the odds?

Thompson will look to turn back the clocks after suffering his third career defeat against Wladimir Klitschko.

Thompson is a reasonably skilled boxer and is a tough fighter who makes it difficult for his opponents to look good. He has performed well against second-rate opposition but when he has stepped up in class, he has struggled.

However, Thompson is vastly more experienced than Price and has boxed 146 more rounds than his younger opponent. The American averages 4.7 rounds in his fights and has a knockout percentage of 61.54%.

Thompson who boasts a record of (36-3-0, 24 KO’s) will look to test Price, who is yet to be punched hard in the professional ranks.

Price was hurt badly in the amateur ranks against Roberto Cammarelle and Bermane Stiverne, and if Thompson can take Price into the later rounds an upset could be on the cards.

Although this fight appears one-sided, bettors must be cautious against writing off a veteran boxer who may be facing his final payday with little to lose. Especially, when he is fighting a big favourite who has never been tested.

*Odds subject to change

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