Stephen Smith vs. John Simpson II & David Price vs. Raphael Butler RBR

The card should be underway after motorcycle racing. (who knew they even had that in the UK?)

 

****ing hell. Finally.

 

OK - we're still getting David Price vs. Raphael Butler as the co-feature.

I wonder if we missed out on seeing Paul Edwards' tuneup because of the programming delay.

 

This will really be telling. He's looked the part against his opposition to date, but if he gets through Butler tonight (and McDermott in June) the proof will be in the pudding. That's two big steps up in a row.

 

Round 1

Price flicks his jab into Butler's face, tripling it. It's not a snappy jab, just wrist-flicked constantly into the American's line of vision and tapping him on the bridge of the nose. He changes it up and throws a soft left hook off the jab, getting Butler to pull back and create an opening - and then a BIG RIGHT CROSS BY PRICE!!! KTFO!! No!! Butler rolls around on the mat and somehow gets up by the count of eight and a half. Price jumps back on him and pecks away with straight shots. Another right hand/left hook combo bends his neck awkwardly and drops him again. Butler is up but in no shape to go on!!

Price TKO1 Butler!

 

Price tries not to disrespect Butler and acknowledges that he was a dangerous veteran but says he isn't overly proud of or happy with the win. He says he won't feel tested until he's at the top level.

He says he saw the looseness in Butler's guard and just seized that moment with a good shot.

He's looking forward to a tough battle with John McDermott and expects to win, feeling he's more than ready and has gotten ample looks at John when sparring him.

 

You know what would be fun, maybe a year from now assuming both keep going well?

Price vs. Helenius

Power edge to the Nordic Nightmare, speed edge to David. Otherwise, comparable builds and styles.

It would be a duel of long crossbow-bolt right hands.

They supposedly had a rivalry in the AM's, too.