It was boxing fans, not football supporters, who streamed into Anfield on Friday afternoon as local boxer David Price weighed in before his international heavyweight bout against Tony Thompson.

The 29-year-old, who remains unbeaten with a 15-0 record and is currently British and Commonwealth champion, challenges the experienced American at the Echo Arena on Saturday, February 23.

As a huge Liverpool supporter himself, Price described the chance to hold the weigh-in at the Reds' home as a 'massive honour' and the hundreds in attendance provided their man with an early example of the backing he will receive tomorrow.

The Reds Lounge of the Centenary Stand was a hive of excitement - with the ceremony completely open to members of the public.

Arriving promptly at 1pm, Thompson weighed in at 18st 10lb - more than a stone heavier than his opponent. The 6ft 8in Price tipped the scales at a lean 17st 9lb for his opening clash of 2013.

Two representatives for the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment whipped up the intensity in the room with drum beats as the two fighters appeared.

After registering their official weights, the pair posed for pictures and stared each other down for the final time before they will meet at opposite corners of the ring.

Former Reds striker Ian Rush, who is Liverpool's all-time top goalscorer with 346 goals, was among those observing at Anfield and during a brief lull in proceedings the 51-year-old joined the stage and waved to the audience.

Price enters the contest with an unblemished professional career, having knocked out Matt Skelton, Audley Harrison and Sam Sexton in his last three fights.

Thompson, a southpaw, arrives on Merseyside with a 36-3 record and two defeats against world champion Wladimir Klitschko on his CV.

The undercard on Saturday night will also include another local pugilist, with flyweight Kevin Satchell defending his British and Commonwealth belts against Luke Wilton.