Boxing

Hrgovic confirmed as shock Allen opponent for Doncaster stadium homecoming

DAZN

27, Mar

Hrgovic confirmed as shock Allen opponent for Doncaster stadium homecoming

Itauma vs Franklin: Subscribe to watch - TOMORROW

Filip Hrgovic will deliver the toughest test of Dave Allen's career thus far, when the pair meet in a major homecoming show for the latter this May.

The Croatian, a Rio 2016 bronze-medalist who has forged a sterling professional career since, will face the Briton at Doncaster's Eco-Power Stadium.

It marks the latest wait-and-see bout for 'El Animal', who is bidding to force his way into world title contention after his lone career loss to Daniel Dubois.

But it will double as a celebration for 'The White Rhino', in a bout that will cap a remarkable career resurgence for the cult favourite from South Yorkshire.

Chisora and Wilder ready to deliver war

Watch DAZN Face Off

Allen first reignited his prospects after a narrow loss against Johnny Fisher in Saudi Arabia back in December 2024, winning their rematch five months on.

He subsequently came up short against Arslanbek Makhmudov - who next faces Tyson Fury in April - at Utilta Arena Sheffield by decision last October.

The veteran bounced back to victorious ways with a one-round stoppage against journeyman Karim Berredjem in February to get back into the saddle.

Hrgovic meanwhile has not fought since he scored a wide decision over David Adeleye in Riyadh last August, further restoring his credit as a challenger.

Ranked highly by all major governing bodies, the star had been mooted as a challenger for WBO champion Fabio Wardley before Dubois took the bout.

Allen secures surprise homecoming as Hrgovic kicks heels

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

For all the fanciful names thrown around as a possible foe for Dave Allen across the past few months, Filip Hrgovic seemed to fly under the radar a bit.

But news that the hard-hitting Croatian will head to Doncaster this May for a stadium fight delivers one of the most fascinating bouts of the year thus far.

There seems to be little doubt that, beyond a puncher's chance, Allen will upset the apple cart here. Hrgovic remains a likely world title contender to come.

Yet the news that the star has secured such a marquee opponent, having swapped Matchroom for Queensberry, is a serious coup for him and his team.

Allen had been linked to a challenge for the British heavyweight title as his next move, having made no secret of his desire to secure the Lonsdale Belt.

This may not come with a strap on the line - but it will certainly deliver a night to remember for 'The White Rhino' and his family over the coming years.

Watch Itauma vs. Franklin with a DAZN subscription

Knockout sensation Moses Itauma faces his toughest test against Jermaine Franklin this Saturday night, March 28. Watch exclusively with a DAZN Ultimate subscription to also get PPVs Chisora vs. Wilder (April 4), Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), and Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23) included.