Maloney- I am giving fight fans a real fight!

Frank Maloney's 21st of January in Liverpool will feature top heavyweight prospect, David Price. A host of novice heavyweights waiting to burst on the flourishing British heavyweight scene will also be in action.

"A lot of fighters don't want to fight each other. A lot of trainers and managers are happy to build fighters records with nobodies. I am pleased to say I am giving the public a real fight!"

That was the message from Frank Maloney who begins his 28th year as a boxing promoter, in reference to the upcoming showdown between David Price and John McDermott for the vacant English heavyweight title and a final eliminator for the British title.

"Both fighters have a hell of a lot to lose in this fight."

The matchup is the classic tale of the new kid on the block, Price, an Olympic bronze medallist from the 2008 Olympics against McDermott who is the old warrior that wants to have one more drink in last chance saloon.

"He is one of the most unlucky fighters I have known in the history of British boxing." stated Maloney in reference to John McDermott.

"This man definitely beat Tyson Fury in their first fight. I suffered more that night than the night Lennox Lewis lost because I ended up having a heart attack." This was referring to the scandalous decision where Tyson Fury was awarded a 98-92 points win against McDermott.

"David is the new kid on the block in the heavyweight division. If he loses, everyone is going to say that he couldn't fight."

Maloney reiterated that this contest is a real fight and Frank Maloney Promotions are giving the fights fans what they want. He was also sending a message out to other British promoters to make exciting fights that the public want to see.

"British managers and promoters need to follow what we are doing. This is a new start in British boxing."

"There is no point getting a fighter to fight for a world title, which we have seen a lot of lately. British fighters being sacrificed, just so people can see themselves on television and have their picture in the paper."

"When I have one of my fighters fight for a world title, I want him to come back with the title."

"When one of my heavyweights has a world title fight, they will be prepared. They will be ready to win the title and dominate the division for a long time."

On the panel at the press conference were heavyweights David Price (W11 (KO 9)), John McDermott (W26 (17)-L7(3), Dillian Whyte (W3 (KO 1)), Thomas Little (W2 (KO 0)) who all campaign in the heavyweight division.

The only non heavyweight at the press conference was Danny Price (W2 (KO 1)). Danny is a cruiserweight but at 6'5 he could easily make the step up to heavyweight in the future.

All the boxers will feature on the 21st of January show in Liverpool.

Maloney went on to say that David and Danny Price are the future of British boxing in their respective weight divisions, but also stated that John McDermott will want to put a dent in the plans when he faces David Price on the 21st.

Sporting a black eye, David Price said he had just finished sparring with WBC title challenger Derek Chisora and joked about the shiner being an occupational hazard.

"I have just finished my sparring and everything has gone well. I know I needed good sparring for this contest. This fight is going to be the toughest of my career so far and McDermott is a good strong fighter and I needed the quality sparring and I got it, which was ideal."

At this point, a reporter asked David "Do you feel that you need to push your career along a bit more than you have done last year, this year?"

Immediately, David replied and said" It is Frank's job to push my career and it was unfortunate that I suffered the injury that postponed the original fight."

Joking, Price then said that McDermott and he are sick of thinking about each other when they are training in the gym, and it will finally get settled on the 21st.

At this point, Frank Maloney spoke up, irked by the question.

"There is a way how to handle a heavyweight's career. You see Tyson Fury fighting regularly, but he is fighting bums. So he is not learning anything. When he is in the gym, he is not learning." (Fury has had a number of trainers over the past year)

"David under his trainer Franny (Smith), has spent a lot of time in the gym getting high quality sparring, has been to America and is actually learning the trade. On this table we have experience of producing good heavyweights."

"Lennox Lewis was taken along at the same pace. This year, if all goes well on January 21st, you will see David Price win the British, Commonwealth and be in a position to fight for the European title by the end of the year."

Maloney then moved on to John McDermott who he believed has been in some great fights and if he wins this contest, he will take the route if he can throw a spanner in the works.

Again, Maloney said that the problem with British boxing is that anyone can build a record fighting bums.

A reporter then asked John McDermott how he plans to throw a spanner in the works.

"I have trained hard and done everything right for this fight. I know it's my last shot, if I want to carry on boxing and do well in the sport I trained like it's my last shot. One way or another I will give it everything I have got."

"I know David is a good fighter. I have a lot of respect for David. You don't win an Olympic medal if you're not a good boxer. I have trained hard as I could and been the best I have been in the gym and with a little bit of luck, I can win on Saturday night."

John McDermott's trainer then said that the postponements of the fight may have been a blessing in disguise, it has given me and John a bit of time to get to know each other and work on different things.

A reporter then picked up on the fact that there has never been a British heavyweight champion from Liverpool, especially from a city that has produced a number of great fighters.

"The aim is to be the first British heavyweight champion from Liverpool. It's an added incentive for me to be the first from the city."

Former amateur star Danny Price was asked where he wants to be in twelve months. Instantly he replied with confidence only youth can bring: "I want to be up there fighting for a British title. If am not fighting for a British title I want to be there or there about."

He was then asked about the disappointment of being dropped from the Olympic squad at such a late stage.

"I was disappointed, but everything happens for a reason. I felt as if I was, and still am the best heavyweight that was in the squad.

"I was beat then by the world number four in the European championships."

"I think Rob McCracken is a great coach but in February he said I have the world at my feet, I can do this, I can do that. Then, three months later he tells me that I cannot do it and am off the squad."

"It was a bit of a shock, I was getting the results all through the year. I beat a few good lads and then I was number one in the squad. I was then beat by a Russian in the European Championship which is no disgrace. A lot of the lads got beat, but if your face doesn't fit."

David Price had the last laugh saying Danny Price was too handsome and that's why he didn't make the 2012 GB boxing squad.

Tickets for the event can be bought at www.frankmaloney.com

Alternately you can call +44 (0) 208 467 7647

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