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Contracts have been signed for British heavyweight David Price to face Erkan Teper for the vacant European title on July 17 in Germany, although an exact venue is yet to be finalized.

Price was disappointed to have been pulled from a homecoming show in Liverpool on June 26 due to a neck injury, but the 31-year-old is back in the gym and fully intent on becoming the first heavyweight from Liverpool to claim the European strap.

”This is an absolutely massive fight for me,” said Price in a press release issued by Sauerland Promotions. ”To become the first heavyweight from Liverpool to win the European title would mean the world to me. It’s something no one could ever take away from me and it would confirm my credentials as a world title contender.

“I’ve watched all of Teper’s fights and he is the perfect opponent. He has never been in the ring with anyone who can punch like me and I’m not messing around anymore. I’m coming with bad intentions. In my last couple of fights I’ve been trying out things we’ve been working on in the gym and my opponents may have got off a little lightly, but this time it’s for real, and I’m looking to do some serious damage.”

“David has successfully worked himself into the position to challenge for the European title, with four good wins, and now it’s time to bring the belt home,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. ”The heavyweight division is thriving at the moment and this is a chance for Price to prove that he is not only the best in Europe, but that he’s ready to challenge for world titles.

“It’s not going to be easy. Teper is a good fighter, who is undefeated for a reason, but he’s never met anyone like David before.”

Information provided courtesy of a press release

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing