Leeds boxer Hopey Price continues unbeaten start in pro ranks on Josh Warrington undercard

HOPEY Price moved his professional record to 4-0 with a dominant points victory over Daniel Mendoza at Wembley Arena on Saturday night.
VICTORY: Hopey Price measures his opponent. Picture: Dave Thompson/Matchroom BoxingVICTORY: Hopey Price measures his opponent. Picture: Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing
VICTORY: Hopey Price measures his opponent. Picture: Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing

Competing on the undercard of Josh Warrington's fight with Mauricio Lara, the decorated amateur dominated from the first bell in the six-round super bantamweight contest to take the bout 60-54 on the referees' scorecard.

Price was initially scheduled to fight fellow Leeds boxer Zahid Hussain but Mendoza stepped up at late notice.

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Mendoza had won 11 of his 22 professional fights prior to the contest, but came into the bout on a seven-fight losing run. He rarely threatened Price, who comfortably won each round.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: No fans were permitted to attend the bout. Picture: Dave Thompson/Matchroom BoxingBEHIND CLOSED DOORS: No fans were permitted to attend the bout. Picture: Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: No fans were permitted to attend the bout. Picture: Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing

Price had been hailed as one of the top young talents in world boxing by promoter Eddie Hearn ahead of the fight and used his superior height and reach to keep Mendoza at bay throughout the contest.

The Leeds fighter threatened to end the contest early as he pinned Mendoza against the ropes in the second round but his opponent was able to go the distance despite a flurry of body shots clearly weakening him.

Mendoza tried to get in close quarters with Price but was rarely successful as the Leeds boxer stayed in control to have his arm raised and maintain his unbeaten start as a professional.

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