Whenever the marching orders come for his next fight, Dave Allen will have an expanded team along for the ride. 

The veteran heavyweight gatekeeper has signed with managerial conglomerate MTK Global, the company announced on Wednesday. The news comes on the heels of Allen's return to the ring and the win column, having scored a 3rd round stoppage of Dorian Darch this past February in Sheffield, England. 

“I have friends signed with MTK Global and I’ve heard nothing but great things about how professional they are,” Allen (18-5, 15KOs) said in a statement released through MTK Global's press office. “For the last few years, I’ve been doing everything myself and I thought it was time to bring in professional help.

“I just want to be in the biggest fights possible. I could argue my career has been perfect so far minus the money and titles so for the next few years it’s about setting myself up for life financially and hopefully picking up a belt or two.”

Allen now joins a roster which runs 200 boxers deep, one which includes: undefeated two-time World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury; unbeaten two-division and current super middleweight titlist Billy Joe Saunders; undefeated bantamweight titlist Nordine Oubaali; long-reigning flyweight champ Moruti Mthalane; and former two-division champion Carl Frampton, among many other clients. 

While lacking the credentials of the aforementioned, Allen has long served as a domestic favorite in the United Kingdom. 

“This a big signing for MTK Global and we are looking forward to working with one of the UK's highest-profile heavyweights in Dave,” stated Jamie Conlan, a former title challenger and now vice president of MTK Global.  “We believe there is so much more for Dave to achieve.

“With our guidance, he can focus fully on pushing himself into becoming the very best 'White Rhino' he can be and winning titles sooner rather than later.”

The latter part could prove a tall order, as Allen has long served as a crowd favorite far more so than one in the ring. The 28-year old from Doncaster, England has produced mixed results through more than seven years as a pro, though reaching the pinnacle in a 3rd round stoppage of Lucas Browne last April at London's The O2.

Momentum has remained a struggle, however. The career-best feat was followed by a 10th round stoppage loss to countryman and MTK-managed David Price last July, one which was followed by plenty of out-of-ring drama before resuming his career earlier this year. His most recent win wasn't without its own share of bizarre headlines, as his stoppage of Darch remains the subject of an investigation by the United Kingdom's Gambling Commission, with the British Boxing Board of Control following their lead as previously reported by BoxingScene.com.

Allen has denied any wrongdoing, nor has much yet come of the matter. Through it all, his fans have remained fiercely loyal. Now, he believes, is the best time to reward them with something greater than just fun fights. 

Doncaster’s ‘White Rhino’ (18-5, 15 KOs) was last seen knocking out Dorian Darch having previously recorded a famous stoppage of former world champion Lucas Browne when headlining The O2.
 
“I wouldn’t swap all the love and support I’ve had for all the money and titles in the world,” acknowledges Allen, though the latest move obviously coming with the intention to position himself for at least a title shot. “I never dreamed people would sing my name at arenas all around the country even three years ago never mind when I turned professional.
 
“I hope to have some more great nights like that and provide people with some more entertainment.”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox