The 33 year-old, who is lined up for a potential world title eliminator on November 26 in Manchester, believes Haye would have weighed up the risk of facing someone like Briggs despite initially and publicly promising to fight the American.
“I didn’t think David Haye would take the Shannon Briggs fight anyway,” Price exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Even when it got announced I still thought Haye wouldn’t fancy it. I think he got backed into a corner but Haye the businessman eventually thought the risk versus the reward wasn’t worth taking that fight.
“Briggs is dangerous, and because of his age, would Haye get any credit or enough credit for beating him with the risk he’s going to take? – So taking all that into it, just I didn’t think Haye would take it.”
Price, himself eyeing a fight or two in October, questioned whether a possible world title chance might be in the offing for Haye and be the major reason why the Londoner is delaying his scheduled return to action.
“As far as I’m aware, Haye is trying to go back down the WBA route or he might be waiting it out for Joshua to decide if he’s ready to step up. Who knows?
“But he needs to be active at his age too, against people that bring the best out of him. He’s got a new trainer and a new-found physique with the weight he’s put on so he definitely needs more ring time,” said Price.
Haye, 35, could be thrust forward to face Lucas Browne for a lesser version of the world title should challenger Fres Oquendo be unfit to take his mandated place opposite the big-punching Australian.
