Deontay Wilder might be up for a surprising match against Dave Allen, but only if the British boxing star manages to defeat Arslanbek Makhmudov. Allen is set to face the 6ft 6in Makhmudov at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday night, marking a significant moment in his career. Promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted at the possibility of a future fight between Allen and former WBC champion Wilder, should Allen emerge victorious against the 18 STONE Russian.

Wilder, who is managed by Hall of Fame New Yorker Shelly Finkel, recently secured a win against Tyrrell Herndon in June following back-to-back losses. Finkel has expressed interest in considering an offer from Hearn if Allen manages to pull off an upset against Makhmudov. Despite missing out on a chance to fight Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, Wilder’s team has identified AJ as their top target for 2026. On the other hand, Allen has made it clear that he is solely focused on his upcoming fight with Makhmudov and has not entertained the idea of facing Wilder just yet.

Hearn believes that a victory for Allen against Makhmudov could open doors to some significant opportunities in the future, including a potential bout with Wilder. The promoter has reached out to Finkel to discuss the possibility of a match between Allen and Wilder, but the outcome of the fight on October 11 will ultimately determine the next steps. Allen vs Makhmudov promises to be a thrilling encounter that could pave the way for Allen to step into the ring with some of the biggest names in the boxing world.