The captain of the boxing team representing Great Britain in the Beijing Olympics believes he is in the ‘best shape of his life’. David Price – who will be fighting in the super-heavyweight category – says that he is eager to begin his quest for a gold medal.

He is also being backed by the Amateur Boxing Association chief Paul King. He believes Price has what it takes to bring a medal home for his team. King is also backing Price to have a long and successful career as a super-heavyweight boxer after the Olympics. At 25-years-old, Price has the time to make a name for himself in the professional scene – of that there is no doubt. As most people know, heavyweight boxers don’t mature until closer to 30 years of age. The Liverpool’s focus now though has to be the Beijing Olympics, no matter what anyone is saying about his future.

At the risk of piling too much pressure on him, fellow Team GB member Frankie Gavin has also tipped Price for a successful Olympics. The lightweight boxer has labelled him ‘better than Audley Harrison’ who won gold back in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

As I have mentioned in previous articles for Talk Boxing, Great Britain are taking eight boxers with them to Beijing. Of which Price will lead as captain. It is being reported that Team GB are targeting two medals in this year’s Olympics. Considering Price himself and the undoubted star of this team Frankie Gavin have an excellent chance of achieving medals, I think this target is rather pessimistic.

In fact, I’d almost be tempted to stick some of my boxing betting money on the British boxing team eclipsing their record of five Olympic medals. This may seem a tad optimistic, but this is a talented team and one who has every chance of challenging for several medals in various weight divisions.

It all gets underway on Saturday and I for one can’t wait. David Price fights for the first time on Wednesday 13th August as he attempts to lead the way for his team by securing one of their several Olympic medals.

Written by Thomas Rooney - A Freelance Sports Journalist