Hopey Price stepping up the ladder at Wembley Arena

The 20-year-old enjoyed a decorated career as an amateur, winning a gold medal at the Youth Olympics and seven national titles.

He took his professional record to 3-0 with victory over Jonny Phillips in August and fought on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight title victory over Andy Ruiz Junior in Saudi Arabia in December, 2019.

He was originally due to face fellow Leeds fighter Zahid Hussain on the bill for Josh Warrington’s bout with Mauricio Lara but Mendoza has stepped up as a late replacement.

“We have been back and forth and been through a few opponents,” said Price.

“For me, I have just to concentrate on doing my job on Saturday night.

“Now we have finally got an opponent I can just focus on putting the work in.”

Price faced a tough test against Phillips during his last contest

He added: “Those sort of fights are valuable for me, to get that experience for when I do step up.

“I think having that test in my third fight helped me improve as a fighter and I think I need to keep taking these steps up and that is what is going to get me to where I want to be in the end.”

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