Predictions for David Price vs Kash Ali
Unbeaten Midlands man Kash Ali (15-0) has managed to ruffle the feathers of former English, British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion David Price (23-6) ahead of their 10-round heavyweight contest at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday, March 30, live on Sky Sports.
The warring pair clashed at the final press conference with Central Area champion Ali calling the Liverpudlian a 'quitter' and promising to knock him 'spark out' in front of his own fans. Pricey, 35, was uncharacteristically vocal in response, angrily branded the 27-year-old 'a mouthy c***.'
BBN ran an online poll that saw voters split between the pair, with 60% believing Price wins and the remaining 40% backing the Brummie. Online odds have still got Pricey as the favourite at 2/9, however; but at 33/1 for the draw, no one thinks it's going the distance! Many boxing writers have stuck with their original pick that the Price is right.
With such a close split, BBN had to call upon their expert panel to pick a winner:
Joe Neale
Boxing Matchmaker / PR
"David Price should win this one, Kash Ali is similar level to Tom Little.
I see big Pricey winning by stoppage in rounds 6-10."
Steve Wood
Promoter at VIP Promotions
"This fight is really about levels and the vulnerabilities of David cannot be exposed by a boxer so many levels below.
This will be a KO win for Price, early…and very early!"
Ace Adam
Super-middleweight debutant
"David Price to win via early KO."
Erol Ceylan
Promoter
"For me, David Price is one of the best heavyweights in the world. It's how we come into the ring, if you are strong in mind then he will lock out Ali and what he has said, and also what I think is that he realises this is his last chance, so how I know David, he will be there for 100% and I assure you, he will knock him out."
Aqib Tahlat
BBN Writer
"I think that David Price should win because of the experience and having boxed such better opponents and operating at the higher level for so long.
Having said that, this fight might just come down to who has the bigger heart. The way Ali got Price ruffled in the presser, this might just be an all-out war.
Price should get the job done but the question is will he use his experience or just engage because of what has been said in the build up."
Kane Cantell
Unbeaten lightweight
"David Price is definitely past his best, but he is not to be taken lightly at all. That being said, Kash Ali is no rookie and seems to be on a good KO streak. I still dont think he will be able to catch Price clean, although anything can happen with these big guys.
I think Price takes this one with a late stoppage."
Jamie Speight
Three-time Southern Area champion
"I think Price chins him inside four rounds, I’ve seen a different side to the big fella in the build up to this and Kash Ali has got under his skin. Price has been known as the BIGGEST puncher in the heavyweight division for a long time but lacks ability to absorb a heavy shot. He normally has a relaxed approach to a fight and feels his way through the early rounds using his height and reach but for the first time tomorrow I feel he will hit the ground running and come out with mean intentions and get rid of Ali quick. As I said, big Pricey within four!"
Miles Shinkwin
Former English light-heavyweight champion
"Don’t know a lot about Ali but obviously Price has the pedigree. He’s obviously had his issues but the fire we saw at the weigh in was possibly what was missing. He’s got the nation's affection too so I’m hoping he can get rid of Ali and move on to bigger and better."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent
"It was unusual to see the big man get so wound up in the presser, but it has made the fight a bit more intriguing for the fans. That said, I still think Pricey is the only winner here.
When there's a war of words, you can easily think that it will affect them in the ring, but for someone who has won British and Commonwealth titles and fought at the highest level, I just don't think it's possible. He does wear his heart on his sleeve, but he's also a consummate professional and it'll be business as usual for Pricey when he gets in there.
There's always the chance that Ali could land that one big punch and although he only has seven stoppages from 15, they have all come in the second half of his career. He started his pro career with six straight points wins, so those seven KOs have all come in his last nine fights, which really changes the way you look at his stats. He comes into the 10-round contest off the back of four consecutive KOs and, with his unbeaten status, he will be as confident as he can be.
However, bxing is all about levels and these two aren't on the same plane. Price to win by KO in the fist half of the fight."
Anish Parekh
BBN Writer
"For all his faults, Price's defeats have come against fringe contenders – all of whom are better than Ali.
Price is something of a gatekeeper now. His fragile punch resistance could let him down at any moment. However, his power is his equaliser and Ali will have to be savvy enough to avoid Price's bombs, whilst being able to get into striking range of the giant scouser and attempt to land his own shots. My feeling is he won't be able to do this.
A motivated (and angry) Price knocks Ali out by the fourth round."
Chris Glover
Boxing Writer
"Pricey inside six for me. There’s a massive gulf in ability here!"
Daniel Smith
BBN Writer
"I like David Price and it would be wonderful to see him extend his career with a run of successful fights. We all know how hard this fella can punch, and If he catches Ali with either hand, then it's another knockout carved into his record, for sure.
With that said; Price's durability under fire usually ends quickly and brutally. "You can't go swimming and not get wet", as they say. But, the two heavyweights look like they're revving-up for good-old scrap – and here's to it!
David Price to KO Kash within five rounds."