Price hopes for Chisora fight

David Price celebrates his victory over Matt Skelton during the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Title fight at Aintree Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire/Press Association Images

David Price hopes Dereck Chisora can regain his British licence and open the door to an enticing showdown between the heavyweight duo.

Unbeaten Liverpudlian prospect Price hopes to continue his clear-out of the domestic division at Aintree Racecourse tomorrow night when he defends his British and Commonwealth titles against veteran tough nut Matt Skelton.

The bout follows impressive wins over fellow Englishmen Tom Dallas, John McDermott, Sam Sexton and Audley Harrison and victory would leave just three other British scalps on Price's hitlist.

But while David Haye is focused only on a possible future clash with Vitali Klitschko and a scrap with fellow unbeaten fighter Tyson Fury shows no signs of happening, Chisora looks the most viable proposition for Olympic bronze medallist Price.

First, however, the former WBC title challenger - who lost to Klitschko earlier this year - must regain his British licence which he lost following his brawl with Haye in the aftermath of that defeat in Munich.

"Chisora is the logical next opponent to defend my British title against because I think Dereck would take the fight at British level," Price, 29, told Press Association Sport.

"David Haye is a former world champion who only wants one fight, which we know about (Vitali Klitschko) and Dereck Chisora would fight for the British title, I believe.

"It would be a win-win fight because it would be a step up in class for me and the chance to win the British Lonsdale belt outright if, all being well, I beat Matt Skelton.

"It's the logical next step, without a doubt, but it's a fight that would have to be under the British Boxing Board of Control regulations because I want to win that Lonsdale belt for keeps."

Price admits there are not too many options for him as he bids to make the transition from domestic champion to world title challenger.

"The likes of Deontay Wilder, Robert Helenius and Johnathon Banks are fighters who create a buzz and interest but a fight with someone like Wilder isn't going to happen until we reach world level," Price admitted.

"Helenius is a possibility for the European title but it depends what the situation is with the rankings and who is mandatory, who is champion et cetera.

"It's important for myself and the other European guys that an American heavyweight does come through because it creates interest over there and that's where the big money is. So we could do with a good American coming through because we'd all benefit from it."

Price has spoken of his respect for 45-year-old challenger Skelton this week in the wake of criticism of the Bedford man's credentials.

"I'm just enjoying it," said former kickboxer Skelton.

"I only started boxing as a professional when I was 35. "Since my 10th fight I've been fighting for titles and this is the one fight where there's no pressure on me."