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Road to Sheffield: How have Dave Allen and Arslanbek Makhmudov reached heavyweight blockbuster?
Dave Allen contests a dream homecoming bout this October when he takes on the hard-hitting Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Utilita Arena Sheffield on October 11 live on DAZN.
'The White Rhino' claimed revenge in his duology win over Johnny Fisher earlier this year to earn himself a two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing in the twilight of his career.
In Makhmudov, Allen faces a difficult opponent, but the Doncaster native will feel he has earned his opportunity - and a victory could bring him a marquee bout to follow too.
But just how did both men come to this major face-off? DAZN News looks at the last five fights of each fighter and profiles what has guided them to this latest opportunity.
Dave Allen (24-7-2)
- Age: 33
- Fights: 33
- Last five: LWWLW
It's strange to think that Allen had hung up his gloves five years ago, frustrated after two Commonwealth title losses as the challenger and unable to seemingly progress further.
His retirement was a short-lived one, but it has only been in his last handful of fights that he has turned the trajectory round, starting with a loss to Frazer Clarke back in 2023.
That sixth-round retirement set the template for unassuming points wins over Jake Darnell and Amine Boucetta - but his superb turn against Fisher last year changed the melody.
Despite losing a split-decision call, Allen appeared a fighter re-energised - and he delivered a fifth-round stoppage in their rematch this past May to secure a new lease on life.
Arslanbek Makhmudov (20-2)
- Age: 36
- Fights: 22
- Last five: WLWLW
The veteran heavyweight may be older than Allen but has less bouts under his belt and will hope it gives him a fresh edge as he travels to his opponent's home turf this autumn.
Still, with an identical record of three wins and two losses in his last five bouts - including both of his professional defeats to date - he has a point to prove on his prospects too.
A brutal one-round stoppage of Junior Anthony Wright in Riyadh in 2023 seemed to have Makhmudov on the up, before Agit Kabayel dispatched him inside four two months later.
Since then, he has fought three times; a two-round win over Miljan Rovcanin, an eighth-round loss to Guido Vianello and another one-round victory over Ricardo Brown.
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