By Sean McDaniel: Heavyweight prospect and former 2008 Olympic bronze medalist for England David Price (9-0, 7 KO’s) takes a big step up against the hard hitting Rafael Butler (35-9, 28 KO’s) on Wednesday night in a scheduled eight round bout at the Olympia in Liverpool, England. Also on the card will be a rematch between British featherweight champion John Simpson (22-7, 9 KO’s) vs. Stephen Smith (11-0, 6 KO’s). Smith and Simpson fought last year in September with Smith winning a close 12 round split decision.

The 27-year-old Price needs to get by Butler to move on to a bigger fight against John McDermott in June, which will be an even bigger step up for Price. However, Butler hits plenty hard and can easily wreck Price’s big plans if he lands something bit on Price’s chin. Price has a reputation as being chinny after being stopped by Italy’s Roberto Cammarelle. But as a pro, Price has been able to get through his first nine bouts without any mishaps. His competition has been rather mediocre to say the least and that’s obviously kept Price from having his chin tested.

Butler has the size and the power to give Price some problems if he lands any of his bombs. Butler can be hurt as we saw in his knockout losses to Eddie Chambers in 2009 and Art Binkowski. If Price can get to Butler early he won’t have to worry about getting any surprises from the hard hitting American.

In Smith’s bout with Simpson last year, Simpson dominated the action while on the outside, punching through big shots that had Smith’s head snapping both ways. However, Smith took the fight to the inside and was able to punish Simpson with powerful combinations. Their fight was very competitive and Wednesdays’ fight promises to be another exciting affair.