Friday night in Germany saw heavyweight boxing action with two would-be prospects squaring off with the vacant EBU European Title on the line. Turkish-born fighter Erkan Tepper, now 15-0, jolted England’s David Price with a big left hand that flattened the British fighter. The sportsbooks had Price a solid (-350) favorite, with the pay back on Tepper coming in at (+250).
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For Tepper, this was the stand-outperformance he needed. Though he was ranked ahead of Price, Price’s resume as an Olympic Bronze Medalist has given him a high profile in Britain’s robust boxing scene, and Tepper did not have anyone on his resume like that. In moving to 15-0, Tepper will now be approaching a top 15 ranking worldwide.
Price is big and tall, so there will always be work for him in boxing, but it is clear he will never reach the level of a world championship. He is slow and plodding as he has lost the spring of youth, and he has been made tentative ever since he was stopped by Tony Thompson in what was supposed to be a step-up fight.
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He did not recognize when he was out of his league, and Thompson did not hesitate to put him down again. Even worse, this time he was put flat on his back and it was a while before he got up. The ref was waving the flag off without a count almost before Price hit the ground.
Price may want to avoid big punchers as he settles into his role as a doorman in the heavyweight division. Like Brazil’s Irineu Costa Junior, he can sign for fights where he tests up and coming heavyweights and provides ring time. Perhaps it would be safer for Price if he was to retire and work at Harrod’s, as getting things off the top shelf for little old British ladies is something he may be better suited for.
