Anthony Joshua hits back at ‘irrelevant’ David Price… despite admitting the Scouser FLOORED him five years ago
World heavyweight champion says he is baffled by Brit brawler's claim that he is only proven at domestic level
ANTHONY JOSHUA has hit back at David Price — claiming his fellow Brit is currently “irrelevant” to him.
The IBF world heavyweight champion confirmed Price floored him during a sparring session back in 2011.
But he is baffled by the Scouser’s claim that he is only proven at domestic level.
And undefeated Joshua, 26, insists Price — who has lost three of 23 pro contests — is not on his radar as he gears up to return to action at the Manchester Arena on November 26.
He said: “When I was a novice, I think it was in 2011, I wasn’t supposed to be sparring but I got in the ring and got dropped. I got up, continued and that was it.
“I’ll say two things about what he’s said. Firstly, you always have respect in sparring. You should never tell your sparring stories — I don’t tell mine.
“Secondly, he’s a bit of an idiot because you should learn your mistakes in the gym. He’s had to learn his under the bright lights.
“So he shouldn’t be excited when he’s knocking over novice amateurs. If he’s living off something that happened years ago, I think it’s a big mistake.
“Like I say, he should have learnt his trade in the gym rather than under the bright lights.
“What Price said doesn’t make sense. I’m a world champion and that’s it.”
After his outing in November, Joshua is expected to box again in March as he works towards a potential Wembley blockbuster next summer.
The identity of his next opponent will be revealed by promoter Eddie Hearn next week but Price is not on the shortlist.
AJ added: “Let them keep talking. As long as they mention my name, it’s good. But Price is irrelevant — he’s not in that list of opponents.
“They talk about me and everyone, but it doesn’t bother me. It was only yesterday when I was at my amateur club and no one gave a c**p.
“Whether it’s Wembley Stadium, York Hall, The O2 or Manchester, I’m going to do my job regardless.
“It doesn’t matter who I fight or where I fight, I’m going to handle my business. That’s what I do best.
“All the other stuff, I’ve just learnt not to buy into it or listen to it. I’m strong, I train hard and live right — I’ve got no issue fighting anyone.”
Anthony Joshua is backing Lucozade Sport’s Made to Move campaign, aiming to get one million people more active by 2020. Follow @LucozadeSport for info.