Boxing
Dave Allen sent ominous warning ahead of make-or-break homecoming fight
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Dave Allen has been warned by upcoming opponent Arslanbek Makhmudov that he will be hunted when the two heavyweights clash on Saturday, October 11, live on DAZN.
Buoyed by his win over Johnny Fisher, Allen is enjoying a late-career resurgence, with the Yorkshireman headlining in his hometown of Sheffield on a Matchroom Boxing show.
Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed his shock when Allen selected Makhmudov, who once was viewed as a rising star in the heavyweight division, not unlike Allen himself.
Makhmudov sees the similarities, telling World Boxing News: “Yes, he is a tough guy. I like challenge, and one thing that is interesting me about this one is that he is a warrior.
“But the (David) Price fight was a few years ago. I can’t speak for him, but we will see what he needs in the corner after a war with me.”
The man they call the ‘Lion’ was referring to Allen’s loss to David Price in 2019, another hyped British prospect. Shortly after the defeat, Allen claimed his career was "done", but he has rallied in recent years to endear himself to fight fans.
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Now 36 years old, Makhmudov has lost twice in the past two years, taking his record to 20-2, with 19 wins via knockout. His first loss was to Agit Kabayel in 2023, with the German going on to become the interim WBC champion.
Last year Makhmudov was shocked by Italian Guido Vianello, who secured an eighth-round technical knockout victory.
Makhumdov reflected: “Of course, I broke my hand in the first one, and you know offense is a big part of my style. In the other, you can clearly see that I couldn’t see.
“But this is boxing. Outside of injuries, those losses also teach me to be a better professional boxer. Do more in the gym, train harder, listen more to my coaches, because details make difference sometimes, injury or not.”
The ‘Lion’ reiterated that Allen would be in for a ‘war’ when they cross paths in Sheffield next month.
He shared: “When I fight, it’s not about a knockout; it’s more than that. I come to hunt. Go to war. I’m the Lion, that’s what I do, and you will see that on October 11.”
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