David Price has revealed that he required more than 40 stitches to his face after his brutal knockout defeat to Alexander Povetkin Saturday.

Price (22-5, 18 KOs) was hurt by a right hook, leaving him defenceless against a devastating left that sent him tumbling to the canvas in his contest against former WBA heavyweight champion Povetkin.

Price told TalkSport., "After the fight, I got checked over in the medical room at the stadium, and they said it would be better to just go to hospital. I agreed, to be safe, and they gave me the all-clear.

"I had a fractured nose, had 30 stitches in my mouth and about 12 stitches on my eyes."

Price was unfancied in his fight against former WBA champion Povetkin, which took place on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's world heavyweight title unification victory over Joseph Parker. However, the British boxer gave a good account of himself, even sending the man expected to be Joshua's mandatory challenger stumbling toward the ropes at the end of the third round.

"I'm proud of my performance," said Price. "I gave everything I had to give, and I came close, closer than the knockout made it look."