David Price to Face Sam Sexton For Vacant British and Commonwealth Belts

David Price will reportedly face Sam Sexton for the vacant British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. This news comes just one day after Tyson Fury vacated both belts instead of facing Price as mandated.

Price's promoter Frank Maloney believes the decision was made because Mick Hennessy, Fury's promoter, and Channel 5 didn't have enough money to ensure that they'd win a purse bid after Maloney rejected a deal that would have paid Price £100,000 and Fury £150,000.

The BBBofC has already ordered Price vs Sexton, and the CBC will follow suit:

Simon Block, the Commonwealth Boxing Council honorary secretary, said: "The British Boxing Board of Control determined that Price box Sam Sexton for their national title, also vacated by Fury, and Sexton is a named challenger on the list of contenders issued by the CBC on 8th December.

"This match, subject to compliance with CBC Regulations, will also be recognized as being for our title."

Price (12-0, 10 KO) is coming off of a one-round walloping of veteran John McDermott in a British title eliminator, while Sexton (15-2, 6 KO) won a five-round technical decision on January 13 over Larry Olubamiwo. Sexton suffered an ugly cut which halted the fight early, the result of a clash of heads.

There's no doubt that the 28-year-old Price will be a heavy favorite against Sexton, 27, but the fight is as good as it's going to get at domestic level with Fury vs Price off the table.

Price also doubts Fury's ability to go to the world level, which is what Fury says he plans to do:

"I was expecting more of Tyson Fury because I thought he was a fighting man, but he’s proved me wrong. He is a coward, no two ways about it. He says he is moving onto the next level but he has not got enough for the next level."

Maloney calls talk of Fury chasing a world title "bullshit," so their side isn't exactly being kind about this fight falling through, which is expected, of course.

There's no current target date for a Price vs Sexton fight, as Sexton will need time still for his cut to heal fully before resuming training.