Support for a Potential Match
In recent developments, boxing manager Shelly Finkel has lent his support to promoter Eddie Hearn‘s suggestion of a match between former WBC heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder and British boxer Dave Allen. Hearn, speaking on the Flash Knockdown Podcast, indicated that a victory for Allen over Arslanbek Makhmudov could lead to significant opportunities for the fighter, including a possible bout against Wilder. Hearn remarked,
“If Dave Allen beats Makhmudov, he puts himself in line for some huge fights. I like the Deontay Wilder fight, personally. We’ve reached out to Shelly Finkel to talk about that, but let’s see what happens on October 11 first.”
Discussions and Future Prospects
Following Hearn’s comments, Finkel confirmed to World Boxing News that discussions regarding a match with Allen had indeed taken place. He stated,
“I won’t get into speculating on Deontay’s next fight, but Eddie did reach out about the Dave Allen fight. After Dave fights on October 11 and Deontay fights, we will see.”
This acknowledgment suggests that a fight between Wilder and Allen is a credible prospect, but it won’t materialize until at least the end of 2025.
Upcoming Challenges
Before the potential clash, Allen has a critical challenge against Makhmudov on October 11, where he needs to perform well to keep any future opportunities alive. Concurrently, Wilder is expected to have another scheduled fight later in the year after his recent victory over Tyrrell Herndon.
Finkel has consistently expressed that Wilder aspires for notable matches in 2026, eyeing opponents like Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk, which places Allen in a precarious position. Should Allen triumph over Makhmudov, there could be an opening for a bout with Wilder in the spring of 2026 if schedules are conducive and both parties express interest.
Marketability and Matchup Dynamics
Hearn believes Allen’s popularity in the UK and his ability to attract fans makes him an appealing option for Wilder, who will benefit from a competitive bout as he aims to regain his momentum in the heavyweight division. However, the matchup raises several questions; Wilder is renowned for his knockout power, while Allen is known for his toughness, creating an intriguing yet potentially lopsided contest. The real suspense will lie in whether Allen can endure and possibly make a significant upset.
Looking Ahead
The heavyweight division is bullish with contenders such as Wilder striving for legacy-defining fights, Allen working to achieve broader recognition, and Hearn bolstering fan-centric events. The outcome of the upcoming months will reveal whether the fight between Wilder and Allen progresses or remains merely speculative.
Looking ahead in the boxing calendar: On October 11, Allen faces Makhmudov in a pivotal fight in Sheffield; later in 2025, Wilder plans to return for his second bout of the year; and a potential fight between Wilder and Allen could be on the horizon for spring 2026, contingent on fight results and other offers. Hearn noted the excitement surrounding this opportunity, affirming,
“It’s going to be a packed-out Utilita Arena in Sheffield. It’s a massive night for Dave, and if he wins, he will waltz into the biggest fight of his career.”
As Wilder, once a dominant force in boxing, looks toward the closing years of his career, the upcoming months will be crucial in determining if he can still contend for titles or if he will transition toward more fan-friendly fights. For Allen, a victory could elevate him from a cult following to international prominence, but first, he must navigate the challenge posed by Makhmudov.
