Price returned to the ring last night for the first time since failing to capture the European heavyweight title, losing to Romania’s Christian Hammer back in February. 

The 34-year-old comprehensively outpointed Kamil Sokolowski over six rounds, the 22nd win of his professional career, and promptly talked up the possibility of taking on Fury.

“Tyson and I were together the other day and from what I was told he has a lot of big plans,” Price said.

“I know that if Tyson Fury could give me the opportunity he would love to and I have a lot of respect for him.

“Let’s make no bones about it, I’m not on his level as a fighter, but a fight between us would still generate a lot of interest and we respect each other as men.”

The pair have met before, Price beating Fury in their amateur days some 11 years ago.

Fury regards the loss as his only true defeat and could see a bout against the Liverpudlian as both a convenient “tune-up” fight and a chance to avenge that loss.

However, Price knows he must do more to convince Fury he is the right man for the job.

“I need to get a couple of notable wins to bring to the table so that I’m a worthwhile dance partner for him,” Price told the Daily Star ahead of his win over Sokolowski.

“If I had beaten Tony Thompson [to whom Price lost twice in 2013] I would have fought Tyson Fury next.

“It’s strange to think how unlucky I have been in certain times but I believe my luck is about to change.”