It’s fairytale stuff for boxing’s ‘White Rhino’ as Dave Allen looks forward to a massive Sheffield superfight
The popular 33-year-old from Doncaster has appeared more than once to be on his way out of the fight game, but to say he is having a renaissance right now would be an understatement.
‘The Doncaster De La Hoya’ is en vogue again after two terrific scraps with ‘Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher, the second a magnificent fifth-round stoppage win in front of Fisher’s massive army of fans at London’s Copperbox Arena.
Allen’s reward is top spot on another huge DAZN show, this time much closer to home as he headlines vs giant Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on Saturday October 11.
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It’s a big task for Allen against a huge man who was once one of the most feared in boxing’s heavyweight division. Makhmudov now (20-2) was 18-0 with 17 KOs when he suffered a first pro defeat to talented German Agit Kabayel on the massive ‘Day of Reckoning’ card in Saudi in December 2023.
Another loss for Makhmudov came in August 2024 to Vegas-based Italian Guido Vianello, and that seemed to end any world title ambitions. But the Russian, who struck fear into so many opponents and fans in the past, is not giving up.
Allen believes he will probably start as the underdog in this one, but he actually believes it is the perfect fight for him.
Dave Allen on Makhmudov
He told talkSPORT: “So yeah, Makhmudov I think will play into my hands. You know he’s dangerous as he is. What he does I’m comfortable against, and I think people will be surprised – my counter punching, my speed.
“And while it’s a massive step up and, you know, I think, I think he’d be the rightful favourite, I just fancy it, I just fancy the matchup really. When I watched a lot of him, I really fancied it. I thought, yeah, he’ll suit me. For the first time in my career, erm, I’m gonna box one that’s gonna have a go at me.
Makhmudov meanwhile is saying all the right things as he prepares for a fight which is surely make or break. A loss to the 24-7-2 Allen would surely mean no more second chances for the man who is now based in Montreal, Canada.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to face a true warrior like David Allen on October 11. I know he won’t shy away from going to war with me. But enough talk – it’s time to hunt, and soon, it’ll be time to have my hand raised.”
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