By Edward Chaykovsky
British heavyweight contender David Allen is calling time on his career, and revealed that he's fighting a battle with depression.
Allen, 23-year-old, lost a ten round decision to Dillian Whyte back in July. He is going to seek help for mental health issues after a relapse into depression and gambling issues.
It was the first career of Allen's career. He turned pro in December of 2012, but wasn't extremely active for an up and coming prospect as Whyte was only the eleventh fight of his pro career - and a big step up in class.
He exclusively told Sky Sports: "People need to come forward and talk about such things. It's one of those things. As far as the boxing is concerned, I don't think it's the close of it, but boxing obviously doesn't help.
"It wasn't losing the fight that effected me. You go back to the normal life and gambling has always filled the void. There are fighters who have achieved a lot more than I have, they reach for drugs and other things, and gambling is a big crutch of mine. I don't think like it's something I can give 100 per cent, due to these issues. It's hard, because I may be two or three fights from a big fight."
Allen was able to secure the fight with Whyte after the two of them engaged in a war of words in the press and on social media. According to Allen, the verbal battle was nothing more than a disguise to hide away his fight with depression.
"It's difficult, because that's the kind of side that everyone sees," Allen said. "The only people that don't see that are my close friends and family. It's difficult keeping that facade up, 24-7, all the time. When a bad day does come, all that goodness disappears and the bad comes in. I 100 percent will box again at some point, because that's what I love to do. But it's just not giving me any stability in my life right now and that's what I need.
"If a man like myself can go through this, then anyone else can, because I'm a pretty hard man. I used to be ashamed and hide away from it, but now if I've got a problem, I don't even care. If I'm struggling, I need to see someone. It's easier when people know what you're going through, because then they understand and appreciate what is happening."
