Kash Ali admits biting David Price was ‘stupid’ and ‘ridiculous’

Kash Ali has admitted his actions were “stupid” after he was disqualified for biting David Price in their all-British heavyweight clash on Saturday night.

Following an acrimonious buildup, which saw veteran Price uncharacteristically exchange barbs with his unfancied opponent, boxing fans expected an ill-tempered bout. Neither those in attendance at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, nor those watching on TV, however, could have predicted just how fiery the bout would become.

Hometown fighter Price edged the early stages of the contest, which came on the undercard of Liam Smith’s matchup with Sam Eggington for the vacant WBC Silver light-middleweight title. Ali, 15-0 heading in but untested on the big stage, may have succeeded in getting inside his former sparring partner’s head prior to the fight, but was soon frustrated as the Olympic bronze medallist began to take over.

😮 EXTRAORDINARY 😮

@313ALI1 disqualified after biting @DavidPrice_1

Watch now live on Sky Sports Main Event or follow here: 📲 https://t.co/XgwtHczQG7 pic.twitter.com/Rkewd0KvSE

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) March 30, 2019

Ali was deducted a point in the early going for punches to the back of the head, while Price’s corner suggested that their man had been bitten on the shoulder during a clinch. The TV replays were inconclusive on that occasion, but the Birmingham fighter would soon leave no doubt.

Price: Ali an ‘animal’

After the 6’8″ Price rocked his opponent in the fifth, Ali grabbed hold and wrestled the Liverpudlian to the floor. On top, he initially refused to stand up, before blatantly biting Price in the chest. With the incident occurring in full view of the referee, Ali was immediately disqualified, with Price handed the DQ victory. Kash felt the fury of the Liverpool crowd, being pelted with drinks as he made a hasty retreat down the aisle, while Price vowed never to share the ring with such an “animal” ever again.

Afterwards, Ali spoke to IFL TV about the fight, admitting that he was overcome by the occasion and “pumped up” following the bitter buildup to the contest.

“It was out of order, what happened… It’s a stupid thing that I did – ridiculous. There’s no excuses for it. The build-up to the fight, it’s the first time I’ve boxed on a big stage – I was so pumped up that I just wanted to fight… That ‘street’ stupid mentality kicked in. I apologise to all the fans that were supporting me and I’m sorry to everyone who I’ve let down, it won’t happen again.”

It may well not happen again, with the 27-year-old likely to be handed a hefty suspension for his actions.