Things are never simple for Dave Allen, the heavyweight boxer known as the 'Doncaster De La Hoya'. Even his career resurgence has been a rollercoaster, and now he plunges into a daunting fight with Filip Hrgovic.
The Logic Behind the Fight
Allen, who has also gone by the moniker 'White Rhino', has built a cult following through his humour and resilience. In 2024, he faced Johnny Fisher in a bout that backfired on promoter Eddie Hearn, as Fisher struggled to dominate. However, Hearn shrewdly pivoted, promoting a rematch where Allen stopped Fisher, leading to a contract with Matchroom.
Allen's decision to face Hrgovic stems from his belief that fear drives him to train harder. 'I need to be scared,' Allen told Hearn, who noted that Allen chose the most dangerous opponent from a list. This logic led him to Arslanbek Makhmudov in October 2024, a fight he lost despite a late flurry, and then to a quick win over Karim Berredjem.
Hrgovic: A Formidable Opponent
Hrgovic, with a record of 19-1 and 14 knockouts, is a heavy favourite. His only loss came via doctor stoppage to Daniel Dubois in 2024. He holds wins over Zhilei Zhang, Joe Joyce, and others. Allen, 25-8-2, faces his toughest test yet on Saturday at the Eco Power Stadium.
Allen's unique perspective on the boxing business was evident when he compared Hrgovic to Zac Efron's character in High School Musical: 'A bit of an asshole, a bit of a jock... He knows he can fight.' Whether this strategy pays off remains to be seen, but Allen's career has never been predictable.
