OLYMPICS /
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Price better than Harrison, says Gavin
Agencies
Updated: 2008-08-05 20:30
BEIJING - David Price is a better super-heavyweight than Audley Harrison, who won Britain's first Olympic boxing gold medal in 32 years in 2000, his team mate Frankie Gavin said on Tuesday.
Price is one of several medal contenders in the eight-man team Britain is entering in the August 9-24 Beijing boxing tournament.
"I think David Price is better than Audley Harrison", said lightweight Gavin, who last year became Britain's first world amateur champion.
"He's the hardest training super-heavyweight I've worked with," Gavin said of Price through a statement by the British Olympic Association. "He does the same work as everyone else, puts it in on the runs and he's got a lot of heart."
The towering Price, who stands 2.03 metres tall, will take part in his first Olympics after failing to qualify for the 2004 Games in Athens.
British head coach Terry Edwards, who guided Harrison to gold in Sydney and lightweight Amir Khan to silver in Athens, also rates Price higher than Harrison.
"I think David is more mobile, has a good boxing brain and a big heart," Edwards said.
Price is also confident in his own ability.
"I think I've got ability to beat anyone in the draw," said the 25-year-old from Liverpool. "If I get my tactics right, I'll get a medal. Ideally it will be gold."
Harrison turned professional after winning his Olympic title but failed to live up to expectations.