British Olympic hero David Price is itching to get back into the ring on Friday and kickstart his professional career.

The heavyweight, who won bronze at the Beijing Games in 2008, has seen his spell in the paid ranks stall due to a troublesome hand injury.

However, the Liverpudlian is now fighting fit again and will return to action in Leigh on Friday night when he fights fellow Briton Martin Grainger in a four-rounder.

It will be Price's first fight since December but, having won all four pro bouts to date, he's determined to get the ball rolling quickly in 2010.

"Last year was up and down because I changed promoters, but Frank Maloney kept me busy and I also had quality sparring with guys like Tom Dallas," said Price.

"I am just itching to get in the ring and fight as often as possible and when I reach double figures (in terms of wins), start thinking of titles."

Promoter Maloney, who steered Lennox Lewis to the undisputed world heavyweight title, might take his latest protégé to America for sparring later this year.

He added: "I was worried about David's right hand initially, but he has been patient and got right. We really are going to see some explosive punching from him now."

Top of the bill in Leigh is Martin Lindsay's British featherweight title defence against Welshman Jamie Arthur.