Klitsckho, 40, was due to face Joshua on December 10, although booked his own home fight in Hamburg on the same date after stipulating that the WBA title had to be on the line for any UK clash.
Instead of just challenging Joshua for his IBF version, Klitschko wants the WBA, IBF and IBO straps to be up for grabs as ‘Dr. Steelhammer’ bids to regain a bigger slice of the crown he lost against Fury.
As a decision by the WBA looms on whether they will give the fight their blessing, Price – who is set to feature on the undercard – wonders whether Klitschko had second thoughts due to the nature of his previous defeat.
“You don’t know what’s going on in Klitschko’s head. He’s had his pride damaged badly by Tyson Fury,” Price exclusively told World Boxing News.
“As experienced as he is, and as long as he’s been doing it, he possibly doesn’t want to go into the Joshua fight and suffer back-to-back defeats. Especially against the young lion who everyone’s raving about. He knows a loss would definitely be the end for him, so you’d have to think he’s looking for the easy option.
“Klitschko is also coming over here to fight, which is something he’s not been used to. He might still think he’s the man and want the fight on own his terms – to have complete control of the situation.
“I think the Klitschko’s are well known for being control freaks.”
Rumours Klitschko could face Lucas Browne as an alternative for the vacant WBA belt should the Sanctioning Committee rule against him, were met with scepticism from Price who says the Aussie would be a step down for the former champion.
“Lucas Browne has done well and fair play to him, but he’s definitely not on Joshua’s level.
“He’s surprised everyone and he’s a tough man, but I don’t think that will be enough against Wladimir Klitschko. Someone who is as accurate and hits as hard as Klitschko does,” he said.
