In December 2012, it was announced that Thompson would fight then-highly regarded British heavyweight, ESPN's Prospect of the Year David Price (15–0, 13 KOs) at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on 23 February 2013. This was regarded as a big step up for Price and a win would see him likely earn a future world title fight. Price's promoter Frank Maloney said, "This is the right fight at the right time for David and one where a win will propel him even higher. Thompson still has ambition and I am certain that he will come to win and score a major upset." Thompson was a heavy underdog among bookmakers and many were intrigued to see how David Price would fare against a common Wladimir Klitschko opponent. The bout was televised in the UK on Boxnation.