Heavyweight cult hero Dave Allen has revealed a surprising IQ score of 132 ahead of what he describes as the toughest fight of his career. The British fighter takes on Filip Hrgovic tonight at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, targeting the biggest win of his professional journey.
Allen's Brainpower and Boxing
Allen, known for his resilience in the ring, jokingly suggested he could have been a genius if not for the blows to the head sustained during his boxing career. Despite past beatings from David Price, Frazer Clarke, and Tony Yoka, the 34-year-old insists his mind and body remain sharp.
“The honest truth is, there are 10 pro boxers in our gym and I’ve been hit less than all of them over the last five years,” Allen said. “I’ve sparred probably 100 rounds max in five years and I’ve had three fights that I’ve been hit back in; I feel fresh.”
He added: “I did an IQ test about six weeks ago. I think I’m in the top three per cent so it’s all good. My IQ was 132 which is very, very good. I think Mensa is 150 so maybe I could have been there if it wasn’t for the boxing.”
Facing Hrgovic: A Mismatch on Paper?
Despite his confidence, Allen acknowledges the challenge ahead. Hrgovic, a Croatian heavyweight, is considered a world-class operator. “From the outside looking in, it’s a bit of a mismatch on paper,” Allen admitted. “I would say we have a world-class operator with a domestic-level heavyweight, but the domestic-level heavyweight has shown glimpses of being able to compete with a guy like this. So Hrgovic should win, but don’t be surprised if the underdog causes the upset.”
Allen believes he is in peak condition: “I’m in better shape now than I’ve been for the last 10 or 15 years. My hand positioning’s been better in sparring, my hands are in the right place, I’ve been bending my legs, I’ve been moving at the waist and my hips. I’ve not felt this good for a very long time and I don’t think I’ve ever boxed better.”
Reflecting on past struggles, Allen said: “I’ve faced lot of different problems over the years and lot of it’s been self-sabotage, a lot of it’s been my own doing. But I really, really think now I’m on the straight and narrow.”
