Undefeated Price wins English heavyweight title in 73 seconds

British heavyweight prospect David Price extended his unbeaten record, lifting the English title in the process, as he took just 73 seconds to score a first-round TKO over John McDermott in Liverpool on Saturday.

In front of his home fans on Merseyside, the 28-year-old Price (12-0, 10 knockouts) further underlined his potential with an explosive performance that moves him a step nearer an anticipated showdown against undefeated British champion Tyson Fury.

The 6-foot8 Price had Essex journeyman McDermott (26-8, 17 KOs) on the floor three times before the referee called a halt to the British eliminator.

“That’s exactly what I needed but I didn't expect to take John McDermott out like that. Even I don't know how hard I'm hitting. That was a peach of an uppercut,” said the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist. “John is a tough opponent. No one has done that to him before. But I knew he had never been hit like I was going to hit him - and it showed."

Now Price wants a shot at Fury (17-0, 12 KOs) and believes the fight will happen despite some suggesting his Manchester rival may attempt to dodge him.

“People say he's going to avoid me. But I know Tyson Fury will fight me because he's a fighting man. Otherwise, he will look a bit of a coward,” Price said. “He's stuck between a rock and a hard place. He's not ready to move onto world level but can he fight me? We'll wait and see, but I think he will."