British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion David Price has officially hooked up with London-based trainer Adam Booth in an attempt to rebuild his career and climb the heavyweight ladder.
The move comes following back-to-back defeats to American Tony Thompson, and Price believes he has now found the man to unlock his undoubted potential.
“It’s a fresh start,” he said. “I can leave behind what has happened but know that I’ve learnt from it. I’ve got the passion back now and am looking forward to getting in shape and putting a few things right.
“To begin with I contacted a handful of world-class trainers and asked Adam if I could have a chat and perhaps get some advice. When I first turned pro I was signed by Hayemaker and only left because of the television situation at the time. Adam pointed me in the right direction after that – and advised me to go with Frank Maloney – and I’ve always valued his opinion. So, after a brief chat, I brought up the idea of him possibly training me and we decided to have a meeting. I assumed he wanted to see what kind of frame of mind I was in.
“We did a few sessions together just to see how it would work, and he then agreed to train me. I was made up about that because I know Adam is very selective when it comes to choosing fighters to work with.
“I’ve got a good feeling about this move, and truly believe Adam is the man to bring out my true potential.”
Always an admirer of Price’s rangy skills, Booth, though selective, liked the idea of taking another British heavyweight towards the sport’s greatest prize.
“I’ve always seen massive potential in David and have always been interested in working with him on a full-time basis,” said Booth. “In addition to being a talented fighter, he’s also a very nice guy and someone who is good for the gym and good for me. I like his personality and I like what he stands for.
“But he’s also much more than a nice guy. He’s a big heavyweight, standing at six-foot-eight, and he punches harder than anyone I’ve ever taken on the pads. David has enough power in his right hand to knock out anybody in the heavyweight division. Now we need to add other things to his game to enable him to land his shots and once again feel comfortable in the ring.”
Of course, Price’s physical attributes have never been in question. A former 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, the Liverpudlian ripped through each of the heavyweights he encountered during the formative stages of his pro career. But then came Tony Thompson. And now the rebuilding job begins.
