Interview - Pryce is right for Prizefighter test

The Pryce is right for another crack at the big time. Bradley Pryce, that is.  He plans to emulate close pal and gym-mate Gavin Rees, who won the last series.

Friday's eight-man line-up includes the usual myriad undefeated prospects and seasoned pros, including former British belt holder Neil Sinclair, Danny Butler and Brett Flournoy.

Pryce (right, c L Lustig), the Newbridge man, trained by Enzo Calzaghe, looked sharp in beating Michael Monaghan on points last time out and says he has plenty left in the tank.

He is focused on victory in Bethnal Green, starting with old foe Neil Sinclair, against whom he lost in 2003 by eighth-round stoppage – whose record stands at 28-7 (KO 17) – and has fought only once since losing his belt to Manchester’s Matthew Hall, who has since lost it to Pryce victim Anthony Small.

"Training has gone very well," said the 28-year-old. "I’ve been at it for about six weeks and I’m more than ready. I’ve just got to take it all into the ring now and win.

"I think a lot of the other boxers think I’m going to be quite a slow starter but I won’t be, I’m going to bring a new style to Prizefighter.

"I’ve always trained for twelve rounds so stamina won’t be a problem, it’s just about being tactically right.

"I’m not worried about the other fighters, I just have to do my own thing. I’ve only ever seen Martin Conception and (Neil) Sinclair fight, having boxed them myself. I’m confident in myself and confident I can adjust and take the title.

"We all knew Gavin would win because his style was perfect for this competition.

"That’s how he fights, throwing hundreds of punches and going hell for leather. I’m different, I bring something new to the table."

Since losing to Hall 12 months ago, Pryce has undergone a complete transformation. He now employs a dietician and fully believes his new training regime – in and out of the ring – will benefit him in the future.

In fact, "I was bringing up my fluids and food, which led to some people reporting that I was bulimic. It wasn’t the case, my diet was all wrong.

"When I got in there that night anybody would have knocked me out, not just Matthew Hall. I was dead, I had no power or resistance. I couldn’t fight back.

"I’ve taken on a dietician for the first time in my career and it’s working wonders. I’ve come back and beaten Monaghan and to be honest that is the best I’ve ever felt in the ring.

"I’m 28 and would say I’m at my peak, in fact I can get better and the next few years will be very exciting for me.

"The Hall fight was a total disaster. Weight was dropping off me in the gym and I got down to 10st 9lbs. I could have almost made welter."

The most exciting prospect for Pryce is getting back in the title mix, preferably against new British and Commonwealth champ Anthony Small, whom he knocked out in seven rounds three years ago. He said: "I’m not looking past Prizefighter but I’m confident I can win a Commonwealth or British title again.

"I wanted to fight Small and have already beaten him but I don’t think he is interested.

"I want my old title back and I reckon it would be even easier the second time around. I’ve already knocked him out once.

"I’m confident I’ll get it back. He’s the easiest way back to me becoming champ so we’ll see what happens.

"Prizefighter comes first though and I’m looking forward to it."

The Prizefighter contenders are Prince Arron (Droylsden), Danny Butler (Bristol), Brett Flournoy (Birkenhead), George Hillyard (Canning Town), Steve O’Meara (West Drayton), Bradley Pryce (Newbridge) and Neil Sinclair (Belfast).

Tickets are now sold out but all the action will be shown live on Sky Sports.