YOKOHAMA, Japan – Dave Allen revitalized his career with a fifth round stoppage of Johnny Fisher on May 17.
The popular heavyweight has always been a fan favorite on British shores, but has been known to let his supporters down with lacklustre performances and a poor attitude to the sport. Allen rarely turned up for fights in shape, and in 2023 was accused of quitting in defeat to Frazer Clarke.
Allen changed many fans’ opinion of him against Fisher when scored a brutal stoppage in the fifth round, with the prospect hitting the canvas face first.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter of Fisher and the event, rewarded Allen with a two-fight deal back with Matchroom Boxing for his efforts. Many fans were happy to hear that Allen would be back on their screens and took to social media to call to ask who they would like to see the popular heavyweight in with next. Deontay Wilder, who faces Tyrrell Herndon on June 27 after losing consecutive bouts to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, was a name that seemed to gain traction. Hearn is open to it.
“I get it, I mean, Dave's got a great chin, and it would just be a massive win,” the promoter told BoxingScene. “[Allen] texted me about it the other day, and I said, ‘I guess it's possible’. I mean, Wilder, he's got a fight coming up, see how he gets on in that, should win that quite comfortably.
“But I think it's a fight that would do big numbers. I mean, Dave's profile, and we see it through our social and digital numbers, he's one of the biggest stars in British boxing. So I think if he can get his nut down and stay focused, he's going to have some big nights ahead.”
Hearn was then asked the question of if Allen, a fighter who is yet to win a domestic title, could defeat the former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder.
“100 per cent, because he's got a great chin,” Hearn replied. “And let's be honest, Wilder hasn't looked great in his last couple. So let's see how he looks in his next one.”