David Price has said that this weekend's showdown with Tony Thompson could serve as a stepping stone for bigger things.
The British and Commonwealth champion believes that taking on a world title contender so early in his career sends out the right message to his rivals.
"The next few fights are really important. I think Tony Thompson is a perfect start. He is a jigsaw fighter, tricky and I'm going to have to figure him out," he told ESPN.
"It is going to ask questions of me and it is going to teach me a lot of things on Saturday night.
"If I'm going to be what people are expecting me to be, I'm going to have to back words up by producing a good performance and a good win."
Price went on to say that he will not be looking for a knockout victory against Thompson, but will be quick to take any opportunity to end the fight early.
"I won't go looking for the knockout - I never do - but it the opportunity presents itself to finish the fight early I'll try my best to take it."
Price takes on Thompson at Liverpool's Echo Arena on Saturday evening.
Mark Langshaw
