Dave Allen is a hugely likeable heavyweight nearly-man on the British boxing scene.
A popular figure on social media, Allen has had notable successes in his career. He took out Lucas Browne at the O2 Arena and more recently dominated Johnny Fisher.
But he’s never broken through to the higher levels of the division with defeat, most recently to Arslanbek Makhmudov, stalling his momentum.
“I know I’ve got a lot of ability but ability’s one thing, doing it on the night’s a different thing. I’ve never quite done that yet, even though I’ve had a good career,” Allen told Sky Sports.
He explained his popularity: “I’m just the average bloke. Because of that and because I don’t hide it – I don’t come on here making out like I’m Mother Theresa and that, going to the gym six hours a day,” he said, before checking himself: “Mother Theresa never went to the gym, did she? I’m not a liar or a faker, I am what I am and people like that.”
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Johnny Fisher hits himself with an uppercut during his fight against Dave Allen.
But he is adamant that there is more to him than just the jovial personality.
“I’ve sparred all of them, Usyk, Klitschko, Fury, Joshua, I’ve sparred all the best heavyweights of the last 10 years, 15 years. I’ve competed with all of them, won rounds off all of them,” Allen said.
“All of them will tell you very good fighter that fella, but I never quite put it all together on the night.”
He is determined to change that when he takes on top heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic at the Keepmoat stadium in his Doncaster hometown.
Dave Allen celebrates after knocking out Johnny Fisher to win their rematch at the Copper Box Arena
“I’m not going to turn up at Donny just for the money, no way. I know it’s a big ask but at the same time I quite fancy it,” Allen said. “I think the best version of me will give Filip Hrgovic all kinds of troubles.
“He’s always been a good fighter, he’s big he’s tough, he’s strong. I don’t think he’s the biggest puncher in the world but he can punch a little bit. He cuts. That’s probably the biggest weakness he’s got. He cuts easily.
“There’s not really many glaring weaknesses. He’s a good fighter, he’s an all rounder. He’s tough.”
But Allen declared: “I’ve got no fear of him at all.
“He’s going to get a right shock.”
Watch Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki live on Sky Sports on June 6
