Fan favourite Dave Allen will now face unbeaten American Christopher Lovejoy on the Usyk vs Chisora undercard on Saturday week (October 31).
The 28-year-old Conisborough man is something of a cult figure with UK fans and on social media with his ‘White Rhino’ persona. He had been due to face Romanian Christian Hammer before he tested positive for COVID-19.
So now the 36-year-old Las Vegas-based Lovejoy (19-0) steps in to fill the void. The bout will take place at London’s SSE Arena (live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the United States).
Allen links up with trainer Jamie Moore for this one. And he said: “I’m looking forward to this fight with Chris. He’s positioned 15th with the WBA and I’d love to take that world ranking.
“He’s a big, strong man and just look at his record. He’s done what’s been asked of him in those 19 fights. There’s not much footage of him, so I don’t really know what I’m preparing for which adds to the intrigue. But I’m going in there to do a number on him.
Lovejoy out to make a big impression
Lovejoy meanwhile said: “I finally made it here to the UK! I’m here to shock the world and show what Chris Lovejoy is really about. Dave will end up number 20 on my record. I’ve travelled a long way so I just hope he shows up.”
Matchroom Boxing supremo Eddie Hearn says the bout represents a huge opportunity for Allen. A win would force him into the upper echelons of the world heavyweight rankings.
A world of opportunity for Allen
He explained: “Here we have this giant in Christopher Lovejoy that has amassed 19 wins with 19 KOs against limited opposition and has somehow found himself in the world top 15.
“The truth is, he might be an absolute beast or he may get found out but for Dave Allen it’s a huge opportunity.
“There will be plenty of eyeballs on this fight. And if Dave can get the win he will force himself into the World rankings and land a major fight in 2021. I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen but I’m excited to find out!”
WBO mandatory challenger Usyk (17-0) of course tops the London bill against seasoned veteran Chisora (32-9). Meanwhile Savannah Marshall and Hannah Rankin meet in a rescheduled clash for the WBO middleweight title.
