Alexander Povetkin And David Price Produce A Thriller In Cardiff

By Steve Bateson: Alexander Povetkin scored a devastating fifth round knockout over David Price in a thrilling co-main event on the Joshua vs Parker card in Cardiff,Wales on Saturday.

Many were worried for Price heading into this fight, believing it a mismatch on paper after his career defeats, but for four rounds he boxed well and even rocked Povetkin to his core in the third round after climbing off the canvas himself in the same stanza.

Povetkin started the fight by targeting the body of his bigger opponent whilst Price kept a tight, high guard as he attempted to absorb what the Russian threw his way. Povetkin was always looking for the overhand right and left hook that inevitably ended the fight but early doors he could not quite hit the target. Price began to get behind his jab toward the end of the round and an uppercut inside seemed to momentarily sway Povetkin’s balance.

Price was still taking body shots in round two but he was gaining in confidence as his jab was finding its home a little more often. In round three the fight erupted as both men swapped success with heavy blows. Povetkin landed a hard right hand and Price chose to engage, fight fire with fire, and came off second best in the trade of hooks as Povetkin’s landed flush and the Liverpool man was down for an eight count.

In the past that may have spelt the end but Price displayed grit and courage as he clambered up, admonishing himself for his mistake, and he soaked up the inevitable onslaught. Povetkin now looked short of breath and out of nowhere Price scored a sensational left hook that sent the former world champion flying across the ring, the ropes just about holding him up and the referee rightly administered a standing eight count. Povetkin was all at sea but fortunately the bell saved him from any more punishment, one more big punch from Price could have spelt the end.

Both men looked exhausted from the three minute firefight and the crowd were on there feet as they anticipated a big finish. Round four was quiet in comparison to its predecessor but then came the chilling finish in the fifth.

Price was still trying to keep the tight guard but he was waiting too long to get his shot off and Povetkin found a gap to land a crunching right hand to the temple. Price was out on his feet, his eyes glazed over, and his hands dropped to his sides allowing Povetkin to unload with a devastating left hook that send the Englishman crashing to the canvass with brutal impact. The referee waved the fight off immediately as Price was given medical treatment in the ring.

Povetkin is now mandatory challenger to the winner of Saturday’s main event but could find himself facing Dillian Whyte in June as he awaits his enforced world title shot. For David Price it may now be retirement but he can hold his head up high after this performance, he rose to the occasion and gave it absolutely everything. On that evidence he showed what could have been in his career, unfortunately it just has not worked out for him.