Dave Allen faced a tough defeat in a brutal 12-round bout against Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov, who emerged as the stronger contender on the night. The White Rhino had hopes of reviving his career and potentially securing a match with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, but Makhmudov’s dominance dashed those dreams. With his eyes now set on Anthony Joshua, Makhmudov emerged victorious via unanimous decision. The undercard featured other exciting fights, including wins for Josh Padley and Bilal Fawaz.
What’s next for Dave Allen? While talks of a potential bout with Wilder may slow down following his defeat, Allen still has one fight remaining on his Matchroom deal. He also has his sights set on the British title, expressing his determination to continue despite the setback. Following the fight, Allen acknowledged his shortcomings, admitting, “I’m not finished. Maybe a British title or try bridgerweight, but I’m not done.”
In a touching moment, Allen took to Instagram to congratulate fellow boxers Joe Hayden and Joe Howarth on their wins, showcasing his sportsmanship and camaraderie within the boxing community. Despite his defeat, Allen’s resilience and determination have earned him praise and support from fans and peers alike.
The judges scored the bout in favor of Makhmudov, with a convincing 115-111, 116-110 & 117-109 victory. Despite the loss, Allen showed heart and grit throughout the fight, earning respect for his unwavering dedication to see it through to the end. Reflecting on his performance, Allen acknowledged the gap between himself and top-tier contenders, but remained optimistic about his future in the sport.
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom promoter, expressed pride in Allen’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of giving one’s all in the ring. While the defeat may be a setback, Hearn believes that Allen will bounce back stronger and continue to pursue his boxing career with determination. As Allen contemplates his next moves, the boxing community eagerly anticipates his future endeavors.
In the aftermath of the intense bout, Allen and Makhmudov shared a moment of mutual respect, with Allen acknowledging his opponent’s prowess despite the outcome. The display of sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two fighters added a touching element to the competitive atmosphere of the event.
As Makhmudov sets his sights on a potential match with Anthony Joshua, the boxing world awaits the outcome of his challenge to the British heavyweight champion. With his impressive performance against Allen, Makhmudov has proven himself as a formidable contender in the heavyweight division, garnering attention and respect from fans and fellow boxers.
The fight between Allen and Makhmudov showcased the grit and determination of both fighters, with Makhmudov emerging victorious by unanimous decision. Despite the outcome, Allen’s resilience and fighting spirit have endeared him to fans and solidified his reputation as a tough competitor in the heavyweight division. As he looks ahead to future opportunities, Allen remains focused on his goals and determined to continue his boxing journey.
