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Allen-Makhmudov: Who is the 'scary' knockout artist aiming to ruin Sheffield homecoming?
The popular British heavyweight contender Dave Allen will be returning to the ring to face Arslanbek Makhmudov in his home city of Sheffield on October 11, live on DAZN.
Allen, 24-7-2 (19), will be looking to build on his impressive knockout victory over Johnny Fisher in their rematch in May.
Allen has admitted facing Makhmudov is a ‘scary’ prospect yet has still taken on the challenge for his homecoming fight.
But what do we know about Makhmudov and why has Allen picked him as his next opponent?
(Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
Who is Arslanbek Makhmudov?
Makhmudov was born in Russia but has spent most of his professional career boxing out of his adopted homeland of Canada.
He made his professional debut in December 2017 and has now had 22 fights in total, winning 20 of them.
Makhmudov holds a victory over former world champion Samuel Peter and has also beaten ex-title challengers Carlos Takam and Mariusz Wach.
Now, aged 36, he is aiming to burst onto the world scene.
What makes him such a ‘scary’ opponent?
To say Makhmudov is a significant physical presence would be an understatement.
Standing at almost two metres tall, it is hard to miss him. He also seems to have a permanently stern look on his face, making it clear to all that it is strictly business when he gets in the ring.
The numbers highlight how he is a thunderous puncher between the ropes as well.
Of his 20 wins, 19 have come inside the distance. Indeed, 13 of his stoppages have been inside the first round.
Makhmudov does not hang around and Allen will have to be wary from the opening bell if he is to come through this test in October.
Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Why has Allen picked Makhmudov?
Makhmudov is a big puncher who will have a noticeable size advantage over Allen. But he is far from unbeatable.
In fact, Makhmudov has lost two of his last four fights. He was knocked out by Agit Kabayel inside four rounds in December 2023, before being stopped again by Guido Vianello last August.
Questions have been raised over his stamina, with both Kabayel and Vianello wearing him down before piling on the pressure.
Allen is known for his durability and appears to fancy his chances of pulling off a similar gameplan.
Kabayel is now on the brink of a world title shot, and Allen will feel that if he can take Makhmudov out in style as well, he could also jump up the rankings.
Who else could Allen have faced?
Allen recently revealed in a Q&A session on Instagram that he was asked about four other names before ultimately deciding to take on Makhmudov.
Tony Yoka, Otto Wallin, Alexis Barriere and Nelson Hysa were all in the mix, according to the Doncaster heavyweight.
Yoka has now signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, but has struggled to make significant progress as a professional after winning Olympic gold in 2016.
Meanwhile, Wallin has lost two of his last three fights to Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora to move down the heavyweight pecking order.
Barriere and Hysa are both undefeated, but are not particularly well known on British shores, making it understandable that Allen went with Makhmudov in the end.
What’s at stake?
Allen has always been incredibly honest when discussing his ability, admitting that he is unlikely to ever win a world title.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t be involved in big fights.
He has already fought the likes of Dillian Whyte, David Price and Frazer Clarke, and he could face another household name if he gets past Makhmudov.
Allen has talked up the prospect of fighting ex-heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and it could be a case of getting the American at the right time as he is due to turn 40 later this year.
However, a loss would signal that Allen belongs at domestic level. He has revealed that he would like one final short at the British title before he hangs up his gloves and that is the route he is most likely to take should he fall short against Makhmudov.
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