Dave Allen vs Arslanbek Makhmudov: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

Nearly five months ago, Dave Allen produced the biggest win of his career via an explosive fifth-round TKO of Johnny Fisher in their rematch.

Now, Allen will look to open the door to more lucrative heavyweight fights Saturday when he clashes with Russian slugger Arslanbek Makhmudov at Utilita Arena Sheffield in Sheffield, England, and live on DAZN.

In May, Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs) detonated a destructive left hook that slept Fisher face-first at the fifth-round bell for a shocking knockout victory.

The Doncaster, England man used the exclamation point to erase memories of the controversial split-decision loss he suffered at the hands of Fisher in December 2024. He will be up against a Makhmudov (20-2, 19 KOs) who has alternated between victory and defeat in a 3-2 record over his last five bouts, having last produced a first-round TKO of Ricardo Brown in June.

Will Allen end his year with another jaw-dropping win that puts him in line for bigger names in 2026? Or will Makhmudov stop the English fighter and throw his own name in the mix for larger opportunities ahead? With plenty on the line, DAZN News weighs in on who has the edge between these heavyweights heading into their bout.

Boxing Styles

In facing a taller Johnny Fisher, Dave Allen showed the ability to inch his way inside of the jab and launch whipping hooks around the guard or thunderous overhand shots that rained down with boom.

Allen’s subtle movements inside could be helpful against an Arslanbek Makhmudov who shows a wide stance and guard and must load up on heavy-handed punches, often leaving him vulnerable.

Both heavyweights are there to be hit, though Makhmudov’s wide guard has more lapses that Allen could take advantage of, especially with sharp, piercing counterpunches.

Edge: Allen

Power

Both Allen and Makhmudov welcome contact and are capable of putting away opponents with one punch in true heavyweight fashion.

Each heavyweight enters this bout touting 19 knockouts, though it is important to point out that Makhmudov’s same power that can end opponents can finish his own nights early as well due to his lack of speed. The Russian fighter’s 3-2 record in his last five bouts have all have been decided by knockouts, showing he lives and dies with the power game.

Whether up the middle or around the guard, Allen’s style against Makhmudov should give him more chances to alter or end this fight with his power.

Edge: Allen

Mental Warfare

During Thursday’s press conference, Allen did not mince words in saying “this is my world title fight” and that he wants to leave this bout with people saying he is a “top-class heavyweight.”

But then came a final dose of steely confidence before the fight when Allen looked across the dais at Makhmudov and offered: “When I’m in the mood, I’m a very, very, very hard man to shift.”

Makhmudov, three years Allen’s senior at 36, also has plenty of urgency with this fight but his confidence might not be as high as that of ‘The White Rhino’.

His knockout losses to Guido Vianello and Agit Kabayel in August 2024 and December 2023, respectively, had him overwhelmed and though he responded to each defeat with a knockout win, they came against inferior opponents.

The mental warfare advantage goes to Allen whose trajectory is angling more upwards.

Edge: Allen

Who has the edge in Allen vs Makhmudov?

With our hand on the pulse of the sport, it feels like Dave Allen has this slim window to catch some more lightning in a bottle of momentum in fueling his way to a bigger money bout.

In addition to favoring his style, that it factor of confidence and residing in the power of now is why DAZN News sees the edge 3-0 in Allen’s favor.

The Doncaster man wants the respect from the top tier of heavyweights. While his KO of Fisher will be hard to top, stopping Makhmudov might be the key to not only land that respect but the cash that comes with it in this 33-year-old’s unexpected renaissance.

Watch Dave Allen vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov live on DAZN

Allen vs. Makhmudov is live on DAZN this Saturday night, October 11. Watch the fight and whole card with a DAZN subscription.

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