Inside the O2 Arena
Inside London’s O2 Arena, a seasoned reporter from the boxing world turned to me, dropping his voice to a whisper, “I feel nauseous.” He crossed himself, gazing up, not pleading for divine intervention, but perhaps in search of reassurance amidst the tension. The atmosphere was palpable, charged with anxiety as the crowd buzzed with anticipation. Amidst faint laughter, an undercurrent of intensity remained, all eyes focused on Dave Allen, who was about to embark on his 23rd professional bout.
The Fight Begins
Selecting Eva Cassidy’s “Fields of Gold,” a choice that seemed almost out of place with the impending brawl, Allen made his way to the ring, where Lucas Browne, his opponent from Australia, stood silently, prepared for combat. It was April 2019, and this event represented a pivotal moment for Allen — this was not just another fight but a critical chapter in his boxing journey.
By this point, Allen, nicknamed the “White Rhino,” had cultivated a unique following in the sport, rooted in his candidness about his struggles with mental health, addiction, and the challenges of his personal life. This openness resonated deeply with fans, culminating in an electric anticipation for his performance that night.
Victory and Reflection
Ultimately, Allen emerged victorious, dispatching Browne with a perfectly timed left hook to the body that ended the fight in the third round. Despite this achievement, his inner struggles were far from over. Matchroom Sport’s Eddie Hearn viewed Allen’s continued fighting as a critical gamble; while his charm and ability to sell tickets had proven lucrative, his performances under pressure often fell short of expectations.
Just three months following his triumph over Browne, Allen faced Olympic medalist David Price and suffered a lopsided defeat, a setback that led him to reconsider his future in boxing.
“I’d love to keep fighting, but I need to decide if it’s truly worthwhile,”
Allen reflected on Twitter, admitting to the toll his health had taken over the preceding year.
“I feel I’ve lost my edge, and that realization is the hardest part.”
A New Chapter
Fast forward six years, and Dave Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs) finds himself again at the forefront of the boxing scene, confrontationally facing the unpredictable nature of the sport he loves, having endured additional losses, including contentious bouts against Frazer Clarke and Johnny Fisher. These challenges, however, have spurred a significant personal transformation fueled by a newfound passion and resilience, much of which stems from the loss of his grandmother, which greatly impacted his outlook on life.
Concerns regarding Allen’s health linger, but under the guidance of experienced trainers Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis, there’s an encouraging sense of safety for his well-being in the ring.
“Getting Dave to trust someone is a monumental task, akin to sending a human to Mars,”
Moore shared. Yet, after months of collaboration, Moore believes Allen has developed that essential trust with him, a sentiment that he describes as the highest form of praise.
Facing New Challenges
Allen’s relationship with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, appears to be evolving, with Allen expressing a newfound respect for Hearn due to a better understanding of the boxing business. This weekend, he faces the formidable Arslanbek Makhmudov (20-2, 19 KOs); the fight is being promoted as an even matchup, despite Allen’s less favorable record in the face of such tough competition.
Makhmudov, unlike Browne, enters this bout with a reputation forged from genuine challenges, having suffered defeats himself against other solid fighters. Recognizing the threat Makhmudov poses, Allen admits fear but reflects on the darker times when he felt lost and adrift in his boxing career.
Looking Ahead
If Allen emerges victorious, he may find himself in discussions with big names like Deontay Wilder or even Anthony Joshua for his next bout, yet he remains cautious, preferring to take his journey one step at a time. The opportunities that have returned to him since 2019 are not taken for granted — every fight is seen as an unexpected gift.
As fans gather in Sheffield to support him, the atmosphere evokes the same anticipatory tension from that fateful night in 2019, but there’s now a sense of reassurance that a support network is firmly in place, ready to support Allen, win or lose. This, more than anything, embodies the heart of his journey in the ring.
