Error code: %{errorCode}
Dave Allen reveals chaotic preparation for fight that changed his life
Ahead of his headlining fight with Arslanbek Makhmudov this Saturday, Dave Allen has reflected on the build-up to a previous contest that almost spelled an end to his boxing career.
Back in 2019 Allen took on fellow British heavyweight David Price, with many predicting a competitive fight between the ‘White Rhino’ and the Olympic bronze medallist.
However, Price dished out a one-sided beating to force Allen to retire in the 10th round, with a stretcher taking the Yorkshire fighter out of the ring.
Fast forward six years, and Allen couldn’t believe how he approached the fight, revealing he had cut corners with his preparations.
He told The Ring: "That was a really bad time. I went missing for the four or five weeks before that fight. I had just bought a house and the mattress was rolled up.
“I slept on the floor because I couldn't build the bed. I was on the floor watching TV all day. I'd go to the chip shop once a day - my only meal of the day. Looking back on it now, it's mad. I can't believe I was such an idiot."
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Suffering the fifth loss of his professional career against Price, many felt Allen would become a gatekeeper at best. He pieced together a run of four straight knockouts between 2020 and 2023, before again being forced to retire when he faced Frazer Clarke.
However, Allen’s renewed approach since the Price fight meant he would not quit the sport as he rallied to secure a fight with Johnny Fisher on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s second win over Tyson Fury last December.
Although Allen controversially lost, he earned a lot of fans for his battling performance, securing a rematch with Fisher. Away in Fisher’s territory, Allen secured a knockout victory in May, catapulting him back into contention for big fights.
If Allen is victorious over Makhmudov this weekend, opponents such as former world champion Deontay Wilder have been mentioned, highlighting how his stock has risen over the past 12 months.
Watch the biggest fights and best fighters with a DAZN subscription
A DAZN subscription provides access to over 185 fights a year across a range of combat sports from the world's best promoters.
