Off the back of his upset victory last time out, veteran heavyweight favorite Dave Allen is ready to upset the apple cart again — against a hugely dangerous striker.
Returning to the ring to take on the lethal finisher Arslanbek Makhmudov in two months time, Allen is fresh from his upset rematch win over highly-touted prospect Johnny Fisher back in May.
The win came as Dave Allen’s first since the summer of last year, having found himself on the wrong side of a hugely controversial split decision loss to Fisher in their WBA inter-continental heavyweight title affair.
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And back into the fray against the former WBC silver champion, Makhmudov — Allen has no reservations about his chances of upsetting the Russian veteran who has taken out a laundry list of foes.
Dave Allen relishing chance to upset Arslanbek Makhmudov
Headlining in Sheffield in just two months, Allen will face the massive challenge of usurping the surging Makhmudov — who has scored a staggering 19 knockout wins from his total 20 career victories.
And up against the kosh already, Allen is embracing the usual role of underdog ahead of his fight with Makhmudov — claiming he is once more ready to upset the apple cart in his headlining return.
“I think I thrive off the underdog tag I’ve had most of my career. Every time I’ve been expected to win, I get beat, I’m not very good with pressure,” Allen told Sky Sports candidly.
“That’s why I picked (Arslanbek) Makhmudov, I think a lot of people will expect him to beat me, but I like that and I like to shock.”
“…I think I can beat him, I am the underdog but I think I’ve got the right style to beat him,” Allen revealed.
But a victory over the Russian star may bring an even higher-profile pairing for Allen in the future — against a former world heavyweight champion.
Dave Allen linked to huge Anthony Joshua showdown
Receiving props for his decision to book a fight with the veteran Makhmudov — given his hellacious power and finishing rate, Allen may line himself up for the biggest fight of his veteran career with a win.
That’s according to Matchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, who insisted a win for Allen in October could see him fight a who’s who of heavyweights from Anthony Joshua to current interim gold holder Joseph Parker.
“I’ve given him (Allen) a list of fighters. He’s chosen the biggest puncher and the most dangerous one of the whole list.
“And he goes, ‘If I beat him, what will happen?’, and I said, ‘Honestly, if you beat this guy, you will land (Deontay) Wilder, (Joseph) Parker, AJ (Anthony Joshua), I don’t know.’”