David Price on course to emulate legend Lennox Lewis

Giant pugilist David Price has already chalked up a 15-fight unblemished record en route to becoming the British and Comonwealth boss and is widely seen as the man to end the Klitschko brothers’ long-standing domination of a talent depleted division.

The 29-year-old Liverpudlian takes on two-time Wladimir Klitschko victim Tony Thompson on Saturday night before his home fans at the Echo Arena and is expected to further propel his world ranking with another clinical display of power against a world ranked but post-prime opponent.

Price is on a high following consecutive dismantlings of British counterparts John McDermott, Sam Sexton, Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton.

There are obvious comparisons with Lewis, although the 1988 Olympic gold medalist was slightly ahead at this stage of his career having captured the European title and proving to be the British boss by defeating the previously unbeaten Gary Mason after 15 outings.

Price is keen to face outspoken British rival Tyson Fury, but that match has continued to elude him with Fury’s handlers keen to steer him towards a world title challenge.

However even a victory over Fury would still see Price needing to overcome other domestic combatants David Haye and Dereck Chisora before being the proven home shore leader.

More immediately for Price is the 41-year-old Thompson who doesn’t appear to pose any serious threat despite going over 17 rounds with Wladimir Klitschko.

The Washington contender’s last fight saw him stopped in six rounds by Wladimir and his 36-3 record reveals a career which has seen him campaign among second-tier heavy­weights.

To his credit Price has remained admirably professional even though both Harrison and Skelton were beyond 40 and were somewhat past their prime. Nonetheless they had never been dispatched in such comprehensive fashion until they met Liverpool’s finest.

It could be argued Price has learned little from his recent quick-fire wins but finding suitable competition is a complex matter facing Maloney as potential bouts can often fall foul of rival broadcasters unwilling to give ground or a boxer reluctant to risk his world ranking without sufficient financial incentive.

There is also the key question of Price’s chin which hasn’t been truly tested as a professional.

Price though can take heart from the numerous boxers who reached the top without a granite chin, but maximised their assets of speed, skill, reach and power.

Refreshingly Price is a model and respectful professional dedicated to his craft.

You won’t find him blowing up in weight between fights or involved in unsavoury scuffles outside the ring.

He remains teachable and usually portrays a calm and controlled demanor in media conferences and big-fight build-ups.

This is a recipe for success that will see him end Thompson’s career before, in my view, toppling Wladimir within 18 months.