Price pens deal with promoter Maloney

OLYMPIC bronze medallist David Price has signed a three-year deal with promoter Frank Maloney.

TOUGH GUY: David Price was one of Great Britain's most successful amateur boxers in recent years (Getty Images)

Price captured super-heavyweight Commonwealth gold in 2006 before claiming bronze in Beijing and subsequently turning professional.

The 26-year-old has fought just once since, a third round victory over Dave Ingleby.

Price had previously been signed to David Haye's Hayemaker promotion company but the collapse of broadcaster Setanta led to Price's career stalling and the deal expired.

Price will make his debut under Maloney on October 16 at Sunderland's Seaburn Centre before boxing again at the Bolton Arena on October 23.

Maloney is best known for guiding Lennox Lewis to the world heavyweight title in 1993 and the promoter insists he can have similar success with Liverpudlian Price.

"With the right handling and the right fights David Price can become a superstar and a household name," said Maloney.

"Heavyweights are different to other boxers. They have to be handled and guided differently.

"If he knocks over a few people I certainly won't be rushing David quickly."