David Price back in the ring on July 27

Former British and Commonwealth heavyweight king David Price will return to action at Bolton’s Macron Stadium on July 27.

Price (22-5-KO18) was stopped in a thrilling fight against former world champion Alexander Povetkin (34-1-KO24) last time out but despite defeat, the Liverpudlian is more determined than ever to reward his growing fanbase with a major title.

Price said: “I’m made up to be back. I’m grateful to MTK Global. They’ve delivered this fight for me and I’ve got my mojo back. I’m back in love with boxing.

“I really enjoyed the fight and the occasion last time out. It was great to be part of such a big event. My next fight won’t be on that scale but it’s a step back towards the big time.

“I said before I’d target the European title but I’m not solely focused on that. I just want another big fight and it could just as easily be for a world ranking title.

“A lot of inspiration has come from the fans. It’s really giving me such a boost. When you receive the support I have – especially after a defeat – it’s heartwarming.

“I’ve come in for some stick from the public over the last few years – some warranted, some not – but to see people throwing their support behind me now, I’m drawing on that.”

An impressive undercard for the MTK Manchester event will be revealed in the coming weeks.

David Price confirms he will continue fighting and chase the European title

Former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion David Price is determined to bounce back from his defeat to Alexander Povetkin and win the European title.

The towering Liverpudlian (22-5-KO18) was knocked out by former Olympic champion Povetkin at the Principality Stadium on May 31 but is confident a rediscovered love for boxing will help him earn more major honours.

Price said: “I’m excited to get back in there. I can’t wait. Normally I have some time away from boxing after a fight but I want to get straight back into it this time. I’ve fallen back in love with it.

“I really want to say a huge ‘thanks’ to the support I’ve received before, during and after the fight. It has completely renewed my faith in boxing as a sport.

“Although I lost and got knocked out, I proved I can compete with elite fighters. Before the fight, I said I would carry on regardless and after it, I take the positives and will now go for the European title.”

Before falling to defeat, Price ignited the stadium in Wales with a shuddering left hook that sent Povetkin staggering back to the ropes.

Reflecting on a wild bout, Price added: “That hook landed so cleanly. If the referee hadn’t have given him a count I could have followed up my attack before the end of the round. They were small margins.

“The knockout won’t have been nice for people to watch in the heat of the moment but I didn’t mind watching it straight afterwards when I went backstage. For a long time, I couldn’t watch Erkan Teper knocking me out but you grow as a person.

“If a fighter quits just because they get knocked out, are they really a fighter? Getting knocked out is part of boxing and you have to accept that.”