City’s praise for boxer David Price

Aug 19 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL’S boxing giant David Price last night insisted he can land Olympic gold after securing the UK’s first boxing medal in Beijing.

Yesterday, the super-heavyweight from West Derby forced Lithuanian opponent Jaroslav Jaksto to retire with a leg injury after the opening round.

The win guarantees the 25-year-old former Cardinal Heenan pupil at least a bronze medal, and bookmakers give him a three to one chance of gold.

The wider region also enjoyed more success in the men’s team pursuit cycling with Bradley Wiggins, now based in Parbold, and Ed Clancy, of Newton-le-Willows, shattering the world record to win their golds alongside team mates Paul Manning and Geraint Thomas.

Wiggins will go for a third Gold medal, after his individual pursuit win, in the Madison today.

Price’s success in the Beijing Workers’ Gymnasium lines up a bout with Italian reigning world champion Roberto Cammarelle.

He said: “The pressure has completely lifted off me now I’ve got a medal. I know what I’m capable of. Imagine getting a gold medal after having so many people writing me off so many times.”

Price’s family and fiancee made the journey to China’s capital to watch the quarter-final match yesterday. And, back in his home city, his fans were punching the air in delight.

At the Salisbury ABC gym in Anfield, where Price trains, coach and club leader Alan Lynch was over the moon and backed the 6ft 8in medallist to realise his dreams.

He said: “The mood in the camp here is great and his parents are very happy. It’s not just us who have brought this about, but the club he came from as a kid – Long Lane.”

Price thanked both UK Sport and Liverpool council for their support after his win. He is employed by the council in a unique scholarship scheme which allows him to commit to his training.

Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley, whose great-grandfather, Ike, was the first Liverpudlian to fight for a world title in the city, spoke of the importance of the programme that has allowed Price to develop into a world-class fighter.

Cllr Bradley said: “From an early age, David has been an enthusiastic member of our boxing development programme.

“We provide a wide range of athletes with paid employment and give them the freedom to fit in their often gruelling training regimes around work, and time off to attend competitions. David has this week repaid this investment tenfold.”

Cheshire gymnast Beth Tweddle, 23, based at Liverpool’s Park Road gym, finished an unlucky fourth in the high bars event yesterday by a narrow margin.

She had previously hinted that she would retire but, after coming so close, she has now set her sights on London in four years' time.

“My dream has been to be in the final. Now I’ll have to leave it to London in 2012 to get a medal. I don’t want to retire yet, I am still right there at the top.”

There was a little consolation for Tweddle, who has had the honour of having a new gymnastic move named after her at these Games.

Cllr Bradley is hoping the exploits of Price and Tweddle will inspire other up-and-coming stars. These include boxer Neil Perkins, a Commonwealth welterweight bronze medallist, and Wavertree-based triple jumper Kevin Thompson.

richarddown@dailypost.co.uk