Tom Dallas takes a hit from Liverpool's David Price on Saturday Picture: Leigh Dawney/www.leighdawneyphotography.com

By Matthew Panting

Tom Dallas insisted his career is still on track despite suffering his first professional defeat on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Chatham heavyweight was knocked out in the second round by Liverpool’s David Price in a British and Commonwealth title eliminator.

"I’m exactly where I want to be," claimed Dallas. "It’s not pushed me back at all.

"I’ll fight again as soon as possible. I know there is talk of easing me back in but I want a decent fight – it hasn’t dented my confidence at all."

Dallas only took the fight on with four days’ notice after Price’s original opponent John McDermott pulled out with a virus.

It is not a decision Dallas regrets although his record now shows 15 wins and one defeat from 16 professional bouts.

"I’m not too upset," he added. "I took the fight at short notice, it was always going to be a hard fight but I got paid decent money to take it."

Dallas’ lack of preparation was a key factor but Price delivered a powerful right hander near the end of the second round that would have floored most fighters in the heavyweight division.

"There were about 20 seconds left in the second when I went down," said Dallas. "I tried to get back up but the referee stopped me and that was it. He must have seen something in my eyes as he wouldn’t let me get up but it all happened so quickly.

"If I had got through that then I’m sure it would have been a good fight."