Boxing
Dave Allen-Filip Hrgovic: What next for both men after Croatian's victory?
Filip Hrgovic reaffirmed his title credentials as a leading heavyweight contender with a dismissive three-round victory over Dave Allen on Saturday.
The Croatian dominated matters against 'The White Rhino' from the first bell to spoil the latter's homecoming at Doncaster's Eco-Power Stadium.
Allen arrived as a heavy underdog for his South Yorkshire showdown, but nevertheless might have felt that the stoppage from his corner was premature.
Hrgovic meanwhile picks up a first TKO victory since he brushed aside Mark de Mori inside a single round back in late 2023 at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena.
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So what comes next for both men after Hrgovic's latest statement result? DAZN News outlines the options that face each fighter and what they may do.
Dave Allen
When news broke earlier this year that 'The White Rhino' was to headline a stadium hometown show against Hrgovic, plenty of eyebrows were raised.
Yet Allen has seldom shied away from a fight, and in nabbing such a vaunted opponent, he was able to fulfil a career dream even in defeat on Saturday.
Both him and Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn were pushed about a potential bid for the British title as the star's next move, a long-vaunted dream of his.
If there is to be a move for the Lonsdale Belt though, it is unlikely to come off a loss like this. Allen may opt for a journeyman first to get back on the horse.
Filip Hrgovic
Since suffering his lone pro loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024, 'El Animal' has outpointed both Joe Joyce and David Adeleye with steady decision victories.
But this efficient three-round job against Allen represents a much-needed boost to the stoppage column on an otherwise impressive record in the ring.
Having been linked to a bout with Moses Itauma - information since confirmed by DAZN News - an August return appears likely for the Croatian next.
But should that clash fail to materialise, surely Hrgovic will feel he needs to test himself against a stronger calibre of opponent, likely with a ranking spot.
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