Liverpool heavyweight David Price insists he will not freeze on the big stage as he tries to silence his critics by beating Russian Alexander Povetkin.

The 34-year-old faces the biggest test of his career on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s fight with Joseph Parker.

Price was tipped for world honours in 2012 but suffered back-to-back defeats against Tony Thompson before rebuilding his career.

Further losses to Erkan Teper and Christian Hammer have derailed his progress but promoter Eddie Hearn has given him one last chance.

Price has struggled both physically and mentally at a high level in the past but insists he has the power and skill to put himself back into the world title picture.

He told Sky Sports: “One thing I’ve never really liked to use as motivation was to prove people wrong, because I didn’t think it was worth the energy of even considering doubters.

“But any motivation is good motivation and I would love to take my glove off and put two fingers up to everyone who has ever written me off, and demand an apology.

“I’ve got a big task in front of me, but I’m going to give it everything. Everyone is going off reputation.

Reputation is going to go out of the window on the night, because I’m not going to be scared of him.

“I’m not going to be gun-shy. I’m going in there to cause an upset and the reputation side of things doesn’t bother me.”

Povetkin is 1.06 favourite, with Price available at odds of 9.50 to secure a surprise win.