Filip Hrgovic sored a third-round stoppage over Dave Allen at Doncaster Stadium in Doncaster, England.

Hrgovic dominated from the outset as he landed heavy punches from the opening bell. In round three, Hrgovic landed a swarming amount of punched that forced the corner to throw in the towel at 2:37.

Hrgovic, 248.9 lbs of Zagreb, CRO is 20-1 with 15 knockouts. Allen, 248.8 lbs of Doncaster, ENG is 25-9.

The win sets up a possible Summer fight between Hrgovic and Moses Itauma.

Michael Gomez Jr. stopped Lee McGregor in round six of their 12-round lightweight fight.

In round four, Gomez dropped McGegor with a hard flurry of punches. The left eye of McGrregor was swelling badly in round four. In round six, Gomez landed thudding shots of the jaw of McGregor and the corner threw in towel at 2:37.

Gomez, 134.10 lbs of Manchester, ENG is now 23-2 with eight knockouts. McGregor, 134.11 lbs of Edinburgh, SCO is 16-3-1.

Louie O’Doherty won a 12-round unanimous decision over Ahmad Hatim in a battle of undefeated lightweights.

O’Doherty, 134.11 lbs of Essex, ENG won by scores of 119-109 and 118-110 twice and is now 12-0. Hatim, 134.90 lbs of London is 12-1.

Asadkhost Muydinkhuyaev won a six-round decision over Alexis Torres in a welterweight bout.

Muydinkhuyaev, 150.11 lbs of Uzbekistan won by a 60-54 score and is now 2-0. Torres, 144.12 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 13-16-2.

Carl Fail won an eight-round decision over Luis Montelongo in a junior middleweight bout.

Fail, 155.1 lbs of Northampton, ENG won by a 80-72 score and is now 12-0. Montelongo, 157.5 lbs of Mexico is 18-18.

Kian Hamilton won a four-round decision over Les Urry in a lightweight bout.

Hamilton, 137.3 lbs of Doncaster, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Urry, 136.2 lbs of Hull, ENG is 2-4-1.

Brad Casey stopped Renar Rusins in round two of their four-round cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Casey staggered Rusins with a right hand. He hurt Rusins several more times in the round and the fight was stopped at 2:46.

Casey, 200.9 lbs of York, ENG is 5-0 with two knockouts. Rusins, 198 lbs of Liga, LAT is 1-3-2.

John Tom Varey won a four-round decision over Stephen Jackson in a bantamweight bout.

Varey, 117.13 lbs of Manchester won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0.

Ted Jackson remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Mike Byles in a six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Jackson scored a knockdown with a right to the head. Jackson finished off Byles with a flurrry of punches in the corner at 2:12.

Jackson, 161.11 lbs of Hull, England is 7-0 with two knockouts. Byles, 159.1 lbs of Warwick, ENG is 8-15.

Doncaster’s own Dave Allen takes centre stage on Saturday, 16 May as he returns home to headline at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium against top heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic, live on DAZN.

‘The White Rhino’, one of Britain’s most popular heavyweights, is enjoying a career resurgence and now faces the biggest test of his career on familiar ground in front of a passionate home crowd in South Yorkshire.

Tickets for ‘Dave vs Goliath’ on Saturday, 16 May at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium go on sale at 12pm on Tuesday, 31 March available from: doncasterroversfc.co.uk.

Allen’s revival has been driven by his compelling two-fight rivalry with Johnny Fisher, which saw him claim the WBA Intercontinental title. After suffering a controversial points defeat in their first meeting in Riyadh at the end of 2024, the 34-year-old emphatically settled the score five months later, stopping Fisher in the fifth round at the Copper Box Arena.

That momentum led Allen into a high-level clash with the formidable Arslanbek Makhmudov in Sheffield, where he pushed the towering Russian over 12 rounds before coming up short on the cards. He bounced back in explosive fashion in February, needing less than a minute to dispatch Karim Berredjem in Nottingham.

Remarkably, despite a 35-fight career, Allen has fought in his hometown of Doncaster only once before, back in 2015. Now, he returns as the headline attraction at the home of Doncaster Rovers for what promises to be a landmark night.

Standing in his way is the dangerous Hrgovic, a former world title challenger who arrives in strong form. The Croatian, known as ‘El Animal’, secured back-to-back wins over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye to collect the WBO International and WBA Continental titles respectively.

The 33-year-old from Zagreb had previously been on the brink of an IBF world title opportunity before falling to Daniel Dubois in an interim title fight in 2024, with Dubois later upgraded to full champion following his victory over Anthony Joshua.

Hrgovic’s clash with Allen will mark his fourth successive bout against British opposition, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the Doncaster favourite.

“May 16 will be a magical experience for Dave Allen,” said promoter Frank Warren. “He is taking on a world-class operator in Filip Hrgovic, but he gets to do it on his own doorstep at Doncaster Rovers.

“This will be a huge occasion for the city of Doncaster and for the fans who have backed Dave throughout his career.

“Filip has got into a habit of beating British heavyweights, so this really is a ‘Dave vs Goliath’ battle.”

“This is everything I’ve wanted,” Allen added. “A big fight, at home, in front of my own people. Nights like this don’t come around often, and I’m not letting it pass me by. I know how tough Hrgovic is, but I believe in myself and I’ll be ready to give Doncaster a night to remember.”

Tickets for ‘Dave vs Goliath’ on Saturday, 16 May at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium go on sale at 12pm on Tuesday, 31 March available from: doncasterroversfc.co.uk.

In a 12-round heavyweight slugfest, Arslanbek Makhmudov won a 12-round unanimous decision over Dave Allen in Sheffield, England.

In round seven, Makhmudov was deducted a point holding. In round 12, Makhmudov was hit with the same infraction.

Makhmudov, 261.1 lbs of Montreal won by scores of 117-109, 116-110 and 115-111 and is now 21-2. Allen, 259.1 lbs of Dorncaster, ENG 24-8-2.

Filwaz Decisions Bostan in Rematch

Bilal Filwaz won a 10-round majority decision over Junaid Bostan in a rematch of super welterweights.

In round two, Bostan was cut over the right eye.

Filwaz won by scores of 96-94, 96-95 and 95-95.

Filwaz, 153.6 lbs of West London is 10-1-1. Bostan, 153.8 lbs of Rotherham, ENG is 10-1-1.

The fight was a rematch of a January contest that ended in a draw.

Padley Decisions Bellotti

Josh Padley won a 10-round unanimous decision over Reece Bellotti in a super featherweight bout.

Padley, 129.6 lbs of Yorkshire, ENG won by scores of 99-92 (Too wide) and 97-93 twice and is now 17-1. Bellotti, 129.9 lbs of Watford, ENG is 20-7.

Uddin Stops Roberts in 5

Hamza Uddin stopped Paul Roberts in round five of their flyweight bout.

In round five, Uddin dropped Roberts with a body shot. Roberts never recovered as he dropped two more times and the fight was stopped at 2:14.

Uddin, 111.2 lbs of Walsall, ENG is 6-0 with three knockouts. Roberts, 111.2 lbs of Chard, ENG is 7-7-2.

Ibraheem Sulaimaan won an eight-round decision over James Chereji in a super featherweight fight.

Sulaimaan, 132.2 lbs of Birmingham, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 9-0. Chereji, 131.8 lbs of Romania is 22-7.

Connor Tudsbury stopped Khalid Graidia in round four of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

Tudsbury dominated the action and in round four, Tudsbury landed two crushing right to the body that hurt Graidia badly and the fight was stopped at 58 seconds.

Tudsbury, 180.7 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 3-0 with two knockouts. Graidia, 177.2 lbs of Luxemburg is 13-16-5.

Joe Hayden won a six-round decision over Angelo Dragone in a six-round welterweight bout.

In round four, Hayden dropped Dragone with a left hook

Joe Howarth won a six-round decision over Karl Sampson in a lightweight bout.

Howarth, 139.6 lbs of of England won by a 60-54 score and is now 14-1. Sampson, 141.2 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 9-60-1.

Eddie Hearn has laid down a life changing gauntlet to Dave Allen with a potential fight against Deontay Wilder in the offing if he conquers Arslanbek Makhumdov on October 11. 

The huge Heavyweight clash – broadcast live worldwide on DAZN – is heading for a sell-out at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

And Matchroom Sport chairman Hearn believes ‘Cinderella Man’ Allen is on course for more big fight nights in 2026, providing he can defeat the Canadian-based ‘Lion’ Makhmudov, who has 20 wins to his name, with 19 knockouts, having previously mixed it with the likes of Agit Kabayel, Carlos Takam and Mariusz Wach.

“If Dave Allen beats Makhmudov, he puts himself inline for some huge fights,” said Hearn, speaking on the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s Flash Knockdown Podcast.

“I like the Deontay Wilder fight, personally. We’ve reached out to Shelly Finkel [Wilder’s manager] to talk about that, but let’s see what happens on October 11 first.”

Last remaining tickets are on sale now – with full event details available at matchroomboxing.com.

Hearn is expecting the atmosphere to be rocking in the Steel City and hopes it will spur the ‘White Rhino’ on to his biggest career win to date.

“It’s going to be a packed out Utilita Arena in Sheffield,”Hearn added. 

“It’s a massive night for Dave and as I say if he wins, he will waltz into the biggest fight of his career.”

MONTREAL, AUGUST 1^st, 2025 — After making a powerful comeback this past June, Arslanbek Makhmudov will attempt to reclaim his place on the world stage on October 11, when he faces top-10 world heavyweight contender David Allen on enemy turf, at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena in England.

“Arslanbek Makhmudov proved he’s back at the top of his game in his last fight, knocking out an undefeated Olympian in under a round. While Dave Allen has shown he’s one of the toughest heavyweights in the world today, we’re confident he won’t be able to withstand the power that ‘The Lion’ will unleash in the UK on October 11,” said EOTTM president Camille Estephan.

Arslanbek Makhmudov (20-2, 19 KOs) has experienced a phenomenal rise in recent years, winning his first 18 career bouts, 17 of them by stoppage. Along the way, he defeated former world title challengers Carlos Takam and Junior Wright in a bout held in Riyadh. After suffering significant injuries in the only two losses of his career, he bounced back strong on June 27, handing Tokyo Olympian Ricardo Brown his first career loss—by first-round knockout. Now back at full strength and on a winning path, the man nicknamed “The Lion” is ready to reclaim his place in boxing’s premier division.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to face a true warrior like David Allen on October 11. I know he won’t shy away from going to war with me. But enough talk — it’s time to hunt, and soon, it’ll be time to have my hand raised,” said Arslanbek Makhmudov, who now calls Montreal home.

David Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs), ranked #9 by the WBA in the heavyweight division, has also enjoyed a triumphant return in recent months. This past May, the man known as “The White Rhino” scored the biggest win of his career by handing fellow Brit Johnny Fisher his first professional loss. The 33-year-old veteran, who has 33 fights under his belt, has faced elite opponents multiple times, including Dillian Whyte, Luis Ortiz, Tony Yoka, Lucas Browne, David Price, and Frazer Clarke.

“There are some huge fights to look forward to – and none more so than Dave Allen against Arslanbek Makhmudov. To be honest, I think Dave is absolutely mad for taking this fight. In fact, he might just be one of the strangest men I’ve ever met. I gave him a list of very good fighters – he chose the biggest puncher and the most dangerous one of the whole list,” said Matchoom’s CEO Eddie Hearn.

“In Arslanbek Makhmudov I think it really is the biggest test available. He looks the part. He’s had some very good wins and he has a high world ranking. A win over him will put me right up there on the world stage. It might be a shot to nothing. And I might go in as the underdog. But I’m up for it. It’s one last shot at the big time for me,” added David Allen.

Tickets for the #MakhmudovAllen event, on October 11 at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, will go on sale in the coming days. Photos from Arslanbek Makhmudov’s recent fights are available (HERE).

Dave Allen stopped previously undefeated Johnny Fisher in round five of their 10-round heavyweight rematch at the Copper Box Arena in London England.

Fisher boxed well over the first four-plus round until he ate a thudding combination that was punctuated by a right hand to the top of the heas that put Fisheron the canvas. Fisher was hurt and Allen landed a devastating left hook that plummeted Fisher face-first on the canvas and the towel was thrown in at 3:00.

Fisher, 265 lbs of Dorncaster, ENG is 24-7-2 with 19 knockouts. Fisher, 245.3 lbs of Romford, ENG is 13-1.

The fight was a rematch of Fisher’s controversial split-decision win on December 21, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

George Liddard remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over Aaron Sutton in a 10-round middleweight bout.

In the first minute of the fight, Liddard dropped Sutton with a big left hook to the jaw. In round two, it was another big left hook that put Sutton on his back. In round five, Liddard ended things with a perfect counter right to the jaw that put Sutton down again and the fight was stopped at 2:20.

Liddard, 159.3 lbs of Billerlcay, ENG is 12-0 with seven knockouts. Sutton, 159.6 lbs of Bristol, ENG is 19-2.

Kieron Conway stopped Gerome Warburton in round four of their 10-round middleweight bout.

In round four, Conway hurt Warburton with a a right to the body. A follow up flurry forced the corner of Warburton to throw in the towel at 1:26.

Cinway, 159.4 lbs of Northampton, ENG is now 23-3-1 with seven knockout. Warburton, 168.5 lbs of Colwyn Bay, WAL is 15-2-2.

Jimmy Sains went the distance for the first time, but easily outpointed Gideon Onyenani over 10-rounds in their middleweight bout.

Sains, 159.3 lbs of Brentwood, ENG won by scores of 100-90, 100-91 and 98-92 and is now 10-0. Onyenani, 158.3 lbs of Chatham, ENG is 7-5.

John Hedges won a 10-round unanimous decision over Nathan Quarless in a cruiserweight bout.

Hedges, 199.5 lbs of Takeley, ENG 99-92, 98-92 and 97-03 and is 11-0. Quarless, 198.5 lbs of Liverpool is 13-2.

Taylor Bevan remained perfect with an second round stoppage over Juan Cruz Cachero in a six-round super middleweight fight.

Bevan landed a hard flurry along the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:33.

Bevan, 169.5 lbs of Southampton, ENG is now 4-0 with four knockouts. Cachero, 169.4 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 7-5.

Lelli Buttigieg stopped Novak Radulovic in round three of their six-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Buttgiieg landd a big uppercut that hurt Radullovic. Buttigieg follows up with a flurry that sent Radulovic to the canvas. Radulovic came out for round three but the fight was stopped at 45 seconds.

Buttigieg, 163.6 lbs of Newhan, ENG is 9-0 with three knockouts. Raulovic, 161.1 lbs of Nis, SER is 20-13-1.

Shannon Ryan won an eight-round decision over Fara El Bousari in a super flyweight bout.

In round six, El Bousari was cut under the right eye.

Ryan, 114.2 lbs of Watford, ENG won by a 77-74 score and is now 9-1. El Bousari, 114.4 lbs of Palma de Mallroca, SPA is 10-6.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“What a fight we have for you on May 17. We remember the night in Riyadh in December, a fight that would have lit up The O2, lit up the Copper Bosh, and it lit up Riyadh as these two fighters produced a brilliant Heavyweight battle.

“A points victory for Johnny Fisher, some say controversial, some say not, it’s now irrelevant as we run it back on May 17 at the Copper Bosh and around the world live on DAZN.

“This fight is going to sell out very quickly, a very important Heavyweight tussle between the Romford Bull and Dave Allen. The Inquest as we’re calling it, as we discuss what happened, who really won, what does everyone think, but what matters is ten weeks this Saturday they run it back in a big fight for both their careers.”Johnny Fisher:

“I was nicey-nice in the build-up to the first one and I’m always going to be respectful, I’m always going to be a sportsman, but I can’t be lulled into that this time, I was a little bit last time. At the end of the day, it’s two men going in there to render the other one unconscious, so I have to be fully switched on. Was I at that 110 per cent mark that I have been for my previous fights, subconsciously probably not and I paid the price in yes, I won the fight, but it was closer than I wanted to be and it won’t be that way this time.

“That’s the nature of the sport and of human beings, if you buy a nice new car people say ‘oh look at that flash boy, he’s got a new car’, if you get a new dog people have a go at you, if you put a deposit on a house o people have a go at you fog that. Whatever you do in life, if you start making your way people will try to discredit you. I have no argument or issue it’s people that scored it closely or gave it to Dave, because that’s their opinion. But when things go hysterical, that’s when you can’t pay any attention, and the only people I need to pay attention to are my trainer Jimmy Tibbs, Sonny Cannon and my Mum and Dad because they know me better than anyone else. 

“Every night since the fight I’ve gone to bed thinking about it. I didn’t make a rash decision to take the rematch, I thought about it, I let it stew, let it fester, let it breathe, I spoke to everyone and it was when I spoke to my Dad over dinner and said I can’t be a real man if I don’t run this fight back, because I know I can’t do it a lot better and I know I can do a better job of it. We’ve got to give the people what they want as professional Heavyweight boxers, people want to see bloodthirsty fights like that, and I’m ready to do it all again as that’s what I’m trained to do and that’s what I was born to do.

“In that situation I was in, I was on wobbly legs, my balance was gone from the second or third round with the shot on my ear that I’ve never really had before, and I know that if I had someone in that position they would be gone in 30 seconds. So if you can’t get me out of there when I am like that, there’s going to be absolutely no chance when I am firing on all cylinders in ten weeks time.

“I had no base in that fight from the knockdown and I just fought on instinct. I won the rest of the round in the fifth after it, and as Dave said we were both shattered after that round and it wasn’t a million-to-one there because I got to to the final bell, and it will be a completely different story this time because I can fight and I can box, and I am going to marry both of them up and do both at the same time.

“Being in Saudi Arabia, the hospitality was great, we had a great experience and to be on such an iconic card, but there is nothing like fighting in front of the British boxing public. The Romford Bull Army is unique as well, people come from all over the country and Europe, and it will be rocking in there. I can say it won’t have an effect on me, and it won’t, but it lifts me. I’ve had it since my fourth fight at Ally Pally and The O2, and it does give me another semblance of strength when I have that army behind me. East London is our spiritual home, where my Dad’s roots are and our family came from, it feels like home.

“Winning in life is the one thing that maters. The knockout is what I’ll be looking for and if it’s there I’ll try and take it, but there’s one difference in this fight, I’m willing to leave it all in the ring and get flattened on the floor, we’ve seen before that Dave is willing to go back to the corner and quit. I’m willing to leave every ounce of my body and soul in that ring.”Mark Tibbs:

“Jamie has said it all really. What Johnny went through in that first fight with Dave, everything clicked from that moment. We’ve been in the gym a few times since and we’re off to Las Vegas tomorrow to prepare for this fight, and Johnny will have learned a hell of a lot from the fight, he didn’t do a lot wrong, he got dragged into one or two old man tricks so to speak, I thought the referee was a bit lenient with Dave, but I was happy with Johnny’s performance, I’ve watched the fight, we won the fight and we officially won the fight, but there’s split opinions and we do it again.

“Will he drag us in again? We’ll see. We don’t need to talk about tactics, but it’s more about Johnny realizing a few things. There’s a couple of tweaks that both sides will make so like Jamie said, it’ll be a better fight.

“Listen, 100 per cent (we win), I live and breathe boxing because I’m a winner. I wasn’t happy with winning like we won, so we will draw the line under Dave Allen-Johnny Fisher II. 

“I’m very confident Johnny is going to do a vicious, spiteful job in breaking Dave down. There’s only one man that’s going to get off-n balance, and that’s Dave Allen.”

Dave Allen:

“I’m surprised to be headlining a show again in London, I was surprised when I did the first one. This is probably more shocking to be honest, but I’m glad to be here, grateful to be here, thanks to Johnny first of all for giving me the opportunity for the Saudi fight that I took with both hands and we’re back again. I told him after the first fight that we probably wouldn’t do it again so soon, I don’t think four or five months is enough time to bridge the gap in beating my comfortably. I haven’t really had a proper fight for six years, and as soon as I got back in the gym again I felt great, I almost feel young again, ambitious, like a young kid but this time I’ve got a brain. I’m really excited for it and I fully expect to win.

“My foot was down on the floor, it couldn’t go any further, I was knackered. There’s no excuses, I put him over in the fifth, I tried to finish it and probably tried too hard really. With my experience I should have given myself more room and I probably could have finished it. But you get excited in there, I was in Saudi Arabia about to knock this kid out and thought ‘let’s just get it done now’. So I have no regrets, he did amazingly well to tough it out and he saw the final bell. I thought I won the fight but he hung in there for ten rounds and gave himself the chance to get the decision which he got. I’m not going to get irritated by the decision because it’s out of my hands, I know I would get an opportunity Eddie because I know you look after me, regardless of Johnny or not. So we do it again, the first fight has been and gone and we will see what happens the second time.

“I’ve tried to look at how I would price the fight up myself, I always look at things from the outside looking in. I’ve got a YouTube channel, so I always look at fights, and it’s like Tyson Fury-John McDermott a long time ago, everyone thought John one the first fight, Tyson came back and stopped him. Young kids take a lot from first fights and the improve past the old man in the second. I just don’t think I’m an old man yet, I probably look younger than Johnny as well, so I think I have loads left in the locker but I know it’s not going to be easy. Johnny and I could box ten times and they would be good fights, close fights, because I’m not a superstar, but I don’t think this fella is, at least not yet, and it will be another fight of the year candidate.

“Atmosphere’s don’t bother me. I’ve been in this game a long time, I boxed Dillian Whyte in the Leeds arena and I did shit myself, but that was a new experience. I’ve boxed Whyte, Luis Ortiz, all the best, went to France to fight Tony Yoka and the French were mad, I couldn’t beleive it, I thought they would be quite. I realise the support will be heavily in Johnny’s favor, but I don’t care, it’s a boxing match and the best man will win.

“I wouldn’t say I’m excited for camp! It’s hard work, I’ve got Nigel Travis for ten weeks, it’s not going to be fun. But with Jamie and Nigel, it’s changed things completely. I don’t wish I’d gone there earlier as my l,I’ve would be completely different, I’ve got my kids with me today and I wanted to bring them, but it’s different with them, I enjoy everything now so we’re going to train hard for ten weeks and I firmly believe I win the fight.

“We’re evenly matched, it will be a hell of a fight, and it’s going to depend on how he takes it. If he comes to box I make him a 10/11 shot, if he comes to fight it’s 1,000,000/1! So we will see what happens.

“It’s 72 days away, I’ve got to train hard, get out of bed on the right side that day, but I think I’m just the better fighter. I’ve been doing this a long time, National Amateur champion, sparring partner to all the World champions the last 10 to 15 years, boxed everybody, and I’ve got a bee in my bonnet because I’ve been fighting for a long time and I’ve been a laughing stock. I got to a point where I don’t like that. I will win the fight, one million per cent, 

“I’ll knock him out as well. It doesn’t come from a bad place, it’s just sport, I’m on a different level completely.”Jamie Moore:

“It was a cracking fight and one where Dave proved a lot to himself, because in the past he’ll admit that he hasn’t committed himself 100 per cent to his camp but he did for that fight and the performance spoke for itself. I thought we were unlucky, I thought we deserved the win and it was quite an easy fight to score. It was a fight of two halves and the knockdown won it for us, but you can’t cry over spilt milk, we’re here again and it’s a cracking fight, you don’t really need to sell it because of the first fight, and it’s a fight between two great guys, the teams are great and may the best man win.

“Dave came back to the corner after the fifth round and he had a look on his face that I’d never seen before. It was like the penny had dropped and that all the hard work that he’d put into camp had all come to fruition. He was probably 60 per cent in that camp because of the starting point that he came from, he’s near enough in the same physical shape in terms of fitness from when he finished as he had a couple of weeks off over Christmas and then he was straight back in the gym,m which is unheard of for Dave. So he’s got that love back for the sport, he’s loving training, and that’s means that by the time this fight comes around he’ll be in a much better position to perform than he has been in the past. But we know Johnny is going to be much better this time around as he’s not as experienced as Dave, so those experiences from the first fight are going to make him much better as well. So both guys are going to be better, and we’re going to get a better fight.

“There are two sides to it and when people were asking me if I thought they were going to take it I was really unsure. I thought they might go straight back in as they are going to take lessons from it, but then they might want one in-between, but in Heavyweight boxing there are banana skins everywhere so that tick-over fight to get yourself back might pull away the rematch totally. So I’m glad they took it, it’s great for us, for them and for boxing fans as it was a good fight last time and it will be a better one this time.

“Dave’s starting point for this fight is much better so it’s about planning it and making sure he doesn’t peak too early, getting him through and getting good sparring, and may the best man win. 

“I think he can win inside the distance this time. He proved he can hurt him, his engine will be better this time, so regardless of whether it’s by stoppage or on points, which before that fight I would have said Dave has to knock him out, but now I can see his engine is building so he can win it on points or by KO.”

HEAVYWEIGHT banger David Adeleye insists he is ready to let Dave Allen and Nathan Gorman feel his power.

Adeleye has shown he can pack a punch and knocked out his first five professional opponents in style.

The Notting Hill man is back in action on Saturday (April 24), live on BT Sport.

Adeleye, 24, has oozed potential in his string of wins and is happy to be pushed by promoter Frank Warren who is matching the former ABA Junior and Senior Novices champion well.

Allen is returning to boxing following a short retirement and Gorman is closing in on a second British title shot after suffering his only career defeat against Daniel Dubois.

Adeleye said: “Dave Allen and Nathan Gorman are fights I think I can take. I am confident in myself, I believe in myself and I can beat them.

“Dave would be a good contest for me. He has been in there with some great fighters.

“It would be a good fight and it is one I would take.

“Dave is talking only boxing four or six rounders so I could get to stage that I have gone passed him.

“Credit to Nathan. He is a good fighter and you can see that, but he is someone I believe I can take on.

“I don’t just ask for these fight to say it. If they got made there wouldn’t be a ‘no’ from me.

“My development has been perfect and I know there is no rush, but if it was down to me I would want these fights.”

Four of Adeleye’s wins have come inside two rounds, and usually durable Phil Williams was stopped in three.

“As fights get longer the opposition will be better. I will get more time to break opponents down and box instead of just trying to blast them out,” added Adeleye who studied at the University of Wolverhampton, where he graduated in 2018 with a degree in Business Management.

“There have been opponents who were meant to give me rounds, like Williams. He was tough and I had to do a few things different to get him out of there, but it came together.

“I am disciplined and an all year round fighter. I don’t train in seasons. I always stay ready. After each fight I have a week off and then I’m back in the gym, improving.

“Nothing comes easy. As long as I stay grounded and guided I know I can go all the way.”

He might be in a hurry to make his name in the boxing business, but trainer Frank Greaves ensures Adeleye remains focused.

Adeleye says: “It’s easy to get knocked off your high horse and why I always mention staying disciplined and grounded.

“It must be hard for fighters when they are suddenly earning big money and  having big fights. At the same time, it’s easy because if you want something you stay disciplined.

“I have good people around me who will keep me in check like my family and coach, Frank Greaves.

“I think Frank likes me saying these names. He doesn’t want be with a fighter who doesn’t believe in himself.

“He does the training and might say something on opponents because he knows where I am at, but doesn’t bother when I call someone out.”

Denzel Bentley (14-0-1) vs Felix Cash (13-0) for the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles headlines a bumper night of boxing, live on BT Sport on April 24.

 Also on the card, light heavyweight star Callum Johnson (18-1) marks his return to the ring with a battle against the experienced Emil Markic (32-2) for the WBO Global championship.

 Other Queensberry prospects besides Adeleye (5-0) on the show are George Davey (3-0), Henry Turner (4-0), James Heneghan (4-0) and Karol Itauma (1-0).

Dave Allen will fight Christopher Lovejoy on the undercard of the blockbuster Heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S.

Fan favourite Allen was due to make his ring return against Christian Hammer before the German was forced out after testing positive for COVID-19 now meets undefeated Christopher Lovejoy whose 100% KO record from his 19 professional bouts see him ranked in the top 15 with the WBA.

2019 held mixed fortunes for Allen, who has now linked up with trainer Jamie Moore, with ‘The White Rhino’ looking to end Lovejoy’s unbeaten run in style.

“I’m looking forward to this fight with Chris,” said Allen. “He’s positioned 15th with the WBA and I’d love to take that World ranking. He’s a big, strong man and just look at his record – He’s done what’s been asked of him in those 19 fights. There’s not much footage of him, so I don’t know really know what I’m preparing for which adds to the intrigue but I’m going in there to do a number on him.”

“I finally made it here to the U.K!” said Lovejoy. “I’m here to shock the world and show what Chris Lovejoy is really about. Dave will end up number 20 on my record. I’ve travelled a long way so I just hope he shows up!”

“This is fascinating,” added promoter Eddie Hearn. “Here we have this giant in Christopher Lovejoy that has amassed 19 wins with 19 KOs against limited opposition and has somehow found himself in the world top 15. The truth is, he might be an absolute beast or he may get found out but for Dave Allen it’s a huge opportunity. There will be plenty of eyeballs on this fight and if Dave can get the win he will force himself into the World rankings and land a major fight in 2021. I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen but I’m excited to find out!”

Allen vs. Lovejoy lands of huge night of action which sees former Undisputed Cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora meet in a thrilling Heavyweight clash, Lee Selby and George KambososJr square off in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title, Savannah Marshall and Hannah Rankin collide for the WBO Middleweight crown, Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy fights Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune for the European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin faces off with Carly Skelly for the Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

Fan favourite Dave Allen returns to action against Christian Hammer live on Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN, Saturday 31st October.

The 28 year old Conisbrough Heavyweight scored an early KO over Dorian Darch on his first outing of the year back in February, which followed a topsy-turvy 2019 with victory over Lucas Browne but defeat to David Price.

“I’m really happy to fight Christian Hammer,” said Allen. “He’s highly ranked and is a tough, strong man. A win here puts me back to fringe World level. He’s got a win over David Price so that would half put my defeat to bed.”

‘The White Rhino’ has been sparring Oleksandr Usyk in Kiev for the past two weeks and believes the experience will stand in him good stead as he links back up with trainer Jamie Moore for their first fight together.

“Sparring Usyk has taken me to another level. He’s one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. I’ve picked up so much from him and it’s given me the confidence that I will need to get through ten rounds with Hammer.”

“I am very much looking forward to this fight, I love to box in the UK. I fondly remember the victory over David Price,” said Hammer. “That is exactly where I will continue against Allen. Once I beat Allen the big fights will come my way. I appreciate this opportunity and I will not be defeated.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “This is a great fight for Dave, and absolute sink or swim time. Hammer has shown the highest of levels consistently and both fighters are looking at this opportunity as springboard to major fights. I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen or who is going to win, there’s only one way to find out!”

Allen vs Hammer joins Selby vs Kambosos Jr, McCarthy vs Laggoune and Timlin vs Skelly on the huge Usyk vs Chisora card, Saturday 31st October 2020.

Hughie Fury says he would be open to a behind closed doors domestic Heavyweight clash withMatchroom stablemate Dave Allen whilst his World Title hopes have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreakas he spoke with Chris Lloyd in the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s podcast ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.

Fury (24-3, 14 KOs) stopped the Czech Republic’s Pavel Sour in three rounds to rekindle his World Title ambitions last time out in March, but with international travel disrupted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Mancunian has set his targets closer to home.
THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH HUGHIE FURY IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
“Dave Allen keeps mentioning my name saying he wants to fight me and all this,” said Fury. “I’m a fighting man so let’s get it on as soon as possible. It doesn’t bother me. It’s only going to be fights against English opponents at the moment. It will be a good fight between the pair of us, there’s no point in waiting. I have no hard feelings against him but he’s mentioning my name so let’s get it on!”

The only defeats on Fury’s 27 fight slate came at World level – a majority 12 round decision in a close and controversial WBO World Title challenge to New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in 2017, a gallant and gory 12 round points loss to Kubrat Pulev in a IBF Final Eliminator in Sofia and a points loss to Alexander Povetkin last summer.

At 25, Fury believes that his best years are ahead of him and the cousin of WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson is confident that there’s still plenty of time left for career-defining fights once the sporting world gets back to normal. 

“I’m 25 and still filling out. One thing I love to do is fight and no one will ever take that away from me, I love these challenges. We have changed a lot although you never got to see too much in the Pavel Sour fight. When I get back in these bigger fights that is when you will see the difference and the changes we’ve made.”

As well as discussing a potential showdown with Allen, Fury disused his losses to Pulev and Povetkin and what he learnt from them, overcoming his struggle with acne conglobata and much more. 

Fans can find Fury’s episode plus previous episodes with Joshua Buatsi, Devin Haney, Joe Cordina, Joseph Parker, Josh Warrington, Daniel Jacobs, Liam Smith, Demetrius Andrade, John Ryder and more here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-matchroom-boxing-podcast/id1506174562

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YRAWQS5JXB0OvM8vCqZxq

Matchroom Website: https://www.matchroomboxing.com/lockdown-tapes-podcast/

Kell Brook will make his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring against Mark DeLuca at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on Saturday February 8 on a bumper bill featuring Kid Galahad taking on Claudio Marrero in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Featherweight crown, Terri Harper clashing with Eva Wahlstrom for the WBC Super-Featherweight World Title and the return of Heavyweight favourite Dave Allen, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former IBF Welterweight ruler Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) was last seen outpointing Australia’s Michael Zerafa over a year ago in his hometown and ‘The Special One’, now trained by Dominic Ingle, will be aiming to shake off the ring rust and fire his name back into the mix for a Word Title shot in 2020.

Standing in his way is the USA’s DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs), a southpaw hailing from Whitman in Massachusetts nicknamed ‘The Bazooka’ who is currently enjoying a three-fight winning streak, picking up the NABA Super-Welterweight title on the undercard of Andrade vs. Kautondokwa in October 2018.

“I’m so happy to be back and I can’t wait to put on a performance for my city on February 8 live on Sky Sports and DAZN,” said Brook. “I’ve had a year out, there has been some dark times but what I’ve realised is I love this sport and I know I have some of my biggest years left in the game. DeLuca is a strong, gutsy fighter who is always ready for war but I’m planning on putting on a statement and showing the world that I’m still a force at 154 or 147lbs.”

Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) fell short in a close and controversial battle with IBF Featherweight kingpin Josh Warrington at the First Direct Arena in Leeds earlier this year but the Sheffield contender has earned a golden opportunity to land another shot at the 126lbs World Title when he meets ‘The Matrix’.

Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) captured the interim WBA Featherweight World Title with a one round demolition of Carlos Zambrano in 2017 and the 30-year-old from the Dominican Republic is determined to shatter Galahad’s dreams and set up another attempt at gold for himself. 

“Every opponent at this level has to be respected and that’s what I’ll do,” said Galahad. “He’s a game kid in a life changing fight, similar to me. So it will be a tough night but I’ll prepare fully. 

“I am grateful to the IBF, Matchroom and my team for making sure they made a sensible decision to get me back into the Final Eliminator – something I think is deserved and most of the fans do too. 

“I’ve had many people believe I won the first fight with Warrington but what’s written in the record books is what counts. I’ll focus fully on Marrero now and then if and when we get through that  – I’ll look to right the wrongs of the first fight. Let’s hope Josh sticks around to take the rematch as many of his own fans and neutrals came out saying he didn’t do enough to have his arm raised the first night.”

Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) got off to a flying start under the Matchroom Boxing banner with a polished performance to outpoint tough Brazilian Viviane Obenauf in the first defence of her IBO Super-Featherweight World Title on her 23^rd birthday in November. 

That win set up a shot at the famous green and gold WBC Super-Featherweight World Title owned by Finland’s Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs), a veteran of women’s boxing who will be making the sixth defence of her title against rising star Harper.

“I’m really looking forward to be fighting back in Sheffield, this time as a Matchroom fighter and fighting for one of the most prestigious World Title belts in my opinion,” said Harper. “I know that there’s boxers out there who would give anything for this opportunity that I’ve been given, so we’re leaving no stone left unturned. 

“Being local and having the home crowd behind me on the night, the atmosphere is going to be electric – I know this is going to push me on to win the belt not only for me but for every single supporter.”

Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited ring return after taking some time out of boxing following his defeat to David Price at The O2 in London in July, and the ‘White Rhino’ now has his eyes set on securing a shot at the coveted Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt in 2020.

“It’s great to be back boxing and even better it’s at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield,” said Allen. “It’s an honour to be boxing alongside some of my friends and to see Kell Brook return to action. I’m coming back to win the British Title and that’s my aim for 2020, this is the start of that journey.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “We’re delighted to see Kell Brook back in action on Sky Sports in front of his hometown fans in Sheffield. Kell will be determined to prove he can still battle with the very best, including British rival Amir Khan, and we hope he can set up a blockbuster fight for later in the year.

“It’s an exciting early addition to our 2020 schedule, with Kid Galahad trying to force his way back into World Title contention, the excellent Terri Harper can become Britain’s latest World Champion, and Dave Allen always guarantees entertainment.”

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) go on sale at midday today (Friday December 20) and will be available to purchase from the FlyDSA Arena (www.flydsaarena.co.uk), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

On his fight prediciton:

“I’ll be very surprised if I don’t knock David Price out in three rounds. I’ll be very surprised. I don’t want to beat him after he’s gassed out in six rounds, I want to beat him early on when people will give me credit for it. I anticipate beating him in one round. I’ll be very surprised if I don’t win inside two or three rounds. I think I will add to my highlight reel of KOs.”

“People wrongly, in my opinion, slate him saying he’s no good and he’s this and that but he’s an Olympic Bronze medallist, a British and Commonwealth champion. I’ve never done anything like that. He’s achieved far more than me. Beating him would be a career highlight for me. It was then and it still is now.”

On form heading into the fight:

“I believe at this time in our careers he’s on the slide and I’m on my way up. I’m too fresh and dare I say it I’m going to show something new on July 20. I’m going to be too fast as well. David Price would have probably beat me in 2016 because I was only 24 and I was still a novice. I’m a grown man now and I’m coming into my own. It’s come at the right time for me and the wrong time for him. I think this will be his final fight.”

On his next opponent:

“When I beat David Price it will be 5 good wins in a row. Ideally I would like the Manuel Charr fight next for the WBA regular. People might ask me why I’d want to fight Povetkin but I fought Dillian Whyte after ten fights. After 23 or 24 fights now why wouldn’t I want to get in there with the world’s best fighters? I want the biggest fights possible. I’ve got to beat David Price first but Manuel Charr would be my first choice, Povetkin would be the second.”

On the magnitude of this fight and his relationship with Darren Barker:

“This is the biggest fight of my career. This is the one that could really set me up for the rest of my career and life. Me and Darren have been grafting away behind closed doors. I’m always on social media because I’ve got too much time on my hands, but I’ve made a conscious effort to dedicate everything to this fight. I’ve been pretty boring for the past ten weeks but I think it will pay off.”

“Darren has been there and done it and he’s been where I am. He knows what I’m doing. There’s nothing that I’m feeling that he hasn’t felt before so it makes it easier for me to go to him with these things but knowing that he’s done it all as well.”

Dave Allen will face David Price in a huge domestic Heavyweight showdown on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s clash with unbeaten rival Oscar Rivas at The O2 in London on July 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Allen (17-4-2, 14KOs) stopped former WBA World Champion Lucas Browne in three rounds at the Greenwich venue last weekend, flooring the Australian with a crunching body shot to claim a stunning victory in his first ever main event fight.

‘White Rhino’ has taken his career to new heights after four straight stoppage wins and the hugely-popular Doncaster man believes that another win over Liverpudlian Price could earn him a shot at one of the top ten Heavyweights in the World.

Price (24-6, 19KOs) returned to winning ways with a TKO victory over Hatfield’s Tom Little last December and then recorded a win over Kash Ali at The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool after being bit twice during a controversial fight that ended in Ali’s disqualification.

The former British and Commonwealth Champion is determined to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank and is all too aware that nothing less than a win on July 20 will suffice as he looks to throw his name into the Heavyweight World mix once more.

“This is the fight that I’ve wanted for years,” said Allen. “I wanted it three years ago but it probably wasn’t the right fight for me at the time. Now it’s the right time for me and it’s the biggest domestic fight out there. There may be other fighters out there that are better than us but I think me and Pricey have two of the biggest fanbases in the UK.

“We’re both really exciting fighters and we can both punch, either of us could end it with one shot. It’s a great fight and one that I’m really excited to be involved in. This won’t go past four rounds. I’m going to try and outbox him and I’m going to try and take him out with one shot as early as possible. I want to beat him in the first two or three rounds while he’s still fresh and at his best. His game plan will be to try and knock me out within the first few rounds so the fans will love it.

“A win over Price would put me one fight away from a World title shot. It puts me in the shop window for the Joseph Parkers and Alexander Povetkins of this World. On the back of three victories then Lucas Browne and David Price I believe that I’m ready for a top ten Heavyweight and that for me is a final eliminator for a World title fight.”

“It’s a great fight and it’s come at a good time for the both of us,” said Price. “It’s a fight that will capture a lot of people’s interest. Dave Allen has got a good following and I’ve got a good following myself. It’s going to be an interesting night that’s for sure.

“Dave is a durable fighter and he’s on a good winning streak. His last fight was a great win so he’ll be coming into this one with his tail up but I’ve won my last two fights as well. It’s going to be explosive. It’s two big punchers and it might be a matter of who lands first.

“Dave is known for his toughness so it won’t be a good idea for me to go out there and try to land a big one early. It’s about me trying to use my attributes to my advantage. It’s two completely different types of fighters and two different sized men. I’m a lot bigger than Dave Allen, that can be a good thing or a bad thing.

“It’s a massive fight. I think me and Dave Allen have been slated to fight a couple of times in the past and it hasn’t happened for whatever reason but this time there’s big upsides for the winner. There’s a hell of a lot on the line which makes for an intriguing fight.”

“This is a big domestic clash and a complete 50-50 Heavyweight match up,” said Eddie Hearn. “Dave Allen’s story has touched sports fans all over the country and he returns to The O2 after his epic KO of Lucas Browne. We all know David Price inside out – a huge puncher but also vulnerable at times, he is coming off two solid wins and wants another major Worldwide name in the division. I have no idea who will get the job done but I cannot wait to see it unfold on a huge night at The O2. Don’t blink!”

Tickets for Whyte vs. Rivas are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300, £500 and £800 VIP.

General Sale tickets are available to purchase NOW from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Dave Allen stopped former world champion Lucas Browne with one left to the body in their scheduled 12-round heavyweight bout at The 02 Arena in London.

Allen landed a crushing shot that sent Browne to the canvas for the 10 count at 58 seconds of round three.

Allen is 17-4-2 with 14 knockouts.  Browne of Australia is 28-2.

After earning the biggest win of his career to date, ‘White Rhino’ said: “I want more now, I’m greedy. I proved I can punch at the highest level. He’s not what he once was but it’s a very good win. A very good win. This tops the Nick Webb night. The left hook to the body was beautiful.”

Dereck Chisora won a 10-round unanimous decision over Senad Gashi in a heavyweight bout.

Chisora landed some power punches throughout, where Gashi did little more then circle to his left.

Chisora won by scores of 100-90, 100-91 and 99-91 and is now 30-9. Gashi of Kosovo is 17-3.

Josh Kelly won a 10-round unanimous decision over Przemyslaw Runowski in a welterweight contest

In round 10, Kelly decked Runowski with a perfect left.

Kelly won by scores of 100-8 twice and 100-89 and is now 9-0. Runowksi is 17-1.

Joe Cordina remained undefeated by taking out Andy Townend in round six of their scheduled 12-round lightweight bout.

Cordina dropped Townend in round six with a flurry of power shots. Moments later, he sent Townend to a knee with an uppercut on the inside. Cordina finished the deal with a hard right and left that sent Townend to a knee again, and the fight was immediately stopped at 2:51.

Cordina of Cardiff, Wales is now 9-0 with seven knockouts. Townend is 22-5.

Conor Benn remained undefeated with a eight-round decision win over Josef Zahradnik in a welterweight bout.

Benn registered a knockdown in round seven with a body shot and won by a referee score of 80-71.

Benn is 14-0. Zahradnik is 10-3.

DOORS 16:30

BOXING STARTS 16:45

6 x 3 mins Cruiserweight contest
SAM HYDE 14st 10lbs 1oz v JOZEF JURKO 14st 2lbs 8oz
(Manchester) (Slovakia)

4 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight
SAM COX 8st 8lbs v GEORGI GEORGIEV 8st 8lbs 3oz
(Islington) (Bulgaria)

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
JOHN HARDING Jr 11st 3lbs 8oz v MIROSLAV JUNA 11st 4lbs
(Brixton) (Czech Rep)

18:20 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

4 x 2 mins Bantamweight contest
SHANNON COURTENAY 8st 6lbs 9oz v ROZ MARI SILYANOVA 8st 7lbs 7oz
(Watford) (Bulgaria)

4 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
NIKITA ABABIY 11st 6lbs 8oz v DMITRI FALTIN 11st 7lbs 1oz
(Brooklyn, NY) (Finland)

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS

8 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
CONOR BENN 10st 8lbs 9oz v JOSEF ZAHRADNIK 10st 5lbs 5oz
(Ilford) (Czech Rep)

12 x 3 mins British & Commonwealth Lightweight Championships
JOE CORDINA 9st 8lbs 4oz v ANDY TOWNEND 9st 8lbs 7oz
(Cardiff) (Barnsley)

10 x 3 mins WBA International Welterweight Championship
JOSH KELLY 10st 6lbs 9oz v PRZEMYSLAW RUNOWSKI 10st 6lbs 9oz
(Sunderland) (Poland)

10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
DEREK CHISORA 18st 7lbs v SENAD GASHI 15st 10lbs 6oz
(Finchley) (Kosovo)

12 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
DAVID ALLEN 17st 6lbs 2oz v LUCAS BROWNE 17st 10lbs 1oz
(Conisborough) (Australia)

John Harding Jr has credited boxing for turning his life around as he prepares to take part in his first major arena show on the undercard of Dave Allen vs. Lucas Browne and Derek Chisora vs. Senad Gashi at The O2 in London this Saturday.

The Brixton Super-Welterweight (6-0-1, 1 KO) grew up on an estate in South East London and found himself caught up in gang activity at a young age, resulting in lengthy spells in prison. Determined to change his lie for the better, the now 34-year-old decided to put his all into climbing the ladder in the pro ranks after his debut at York Hall in 2017.

Heavyweight World title contender Dillian Whyte took Harding Jr under his wing at the beginning of the year and set about securing his new charge a golden opportunity on Matchroom Boxing’s Easter weekend card in Greenwich – Harding Jr says he will always be grateful for ‘The Body Snatcher’s’ guidance and leadership.

“Everything is good,” Harding Jr told iFL TV. “I’m just here enjoying being on this stage. It felt weird but now I’m embracing it. I was always the person on the outside looking in, but now I’ve got my chance. I’ve been working closely with Dillian and to be in this position now is just amazing. I want to prove to people that hard work can pay off. I want everyone to look at my life and know that if they work hard they can change their ways as well. Boxing has given me a lifeline.

“I grew up on an estate in New Cross. On the estate you grew up in a brotherhood, so you grew up inheriting rival gang activities. We thought that hustling was the only way for us to move forward in life. Other people call it drug-dealing, for us it was just survival. That’s what we grew up around and thought was normal. I ran into the law a couple of times. I’ve spent probably around five and a half years of my life in prison. It’s very hard when you’re in that position as a young person.

“I always dreamt I’d be the one being interviewed one day. I used to watch these guys being interviewed on a secret little mobile phone in jail! This shows the power of vision and hard work. When I stepped out with nothing, I only had that vision in my head. I was quite big, 17 stone and muscly. Now look at me, I’m a Light-Middleweight floating like a butterfly!

“I just kept coming to the gym, training around guys like Richard Riakporhe. I was always in the shadows of those guys, training hard. Fast-forward a while and I bumped into Dillian Whyte, who’s looked out for me since. He saw my heart and he’s brought me close and that just shows me how much of a true person he is. For him to reach out and help someone like me has changed my life and helped others too.

“It’s never too late to change your life. Hard work always pays off. Dillian told me to work hard. He always emphasises working hard. Even when it was his birthday he was in the gym grinding and working all day. I can’t lie, this is big for me, but Dillian has told me to be grounded. He’s a workaholic, he doesn’t stop. Focus and hard work pays off and I’m the living proof of that.”

Harding Jr takes part in a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (16-4-2, 13 KOs) faces the biggest night of his career against Australia’s former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne (28-1, 14 KOs), Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Czech Republic’s Josef Zahradnik (10-2, 5KOs), Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Dave Allen insists there is “zero chance” of Lucas Browne defeating him by knockout when they collide at the top of a huge Heavyweight bill at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former WBA World ruler Browne has amassed 24 stoppages from 28 career wins and the hard-hitting Australian known as ‘Big Daddy’ says he is looking forward to a “good old fashioned slugfest” when he meets cult hero Allen over 12 rounds in the Capital.

Allen is renowned for his durability having only been stopped twice in 22 fights – a seventh round TKO loss to World title challenger Luis Ortiz and a controversial tenth round stoppage loss Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka – and the ‘White Rhino’ says he has no concerns over trading leather with Browne.

“The last thing I worry about when I box is the power,” said Allen. “That’s not because I can take a good shot, even though I can.

“People say ‘you haven’t got a good defence’, I’ve got a great defence, I see every shot coming. Even the ones I take clean in the face, I know they’re coming. You’re not going to knock me out.

“Lucas Browne, if he’s planning on beating me with power, he might as well stay in Australia, because there’s zero chance of me getting knocked out.”

Allen heads into the biggest fight of his career in the form of his life following three KO wins over Nick Webb, Samir Nebo and Ariel Esteban Bracamonte, and the popular 27-year-old Yorkshireman is aiming to make it three KO wins from three fights at the Greenwich venue.

“Even though there’s no animosity in the build-up, I want to punch him all over The O2. I’ve trained harder than ever for this fight and you’ll all see the difference come fight night. I’m going to knock him out.

“A win here puts me on the big stage, not the highest level, but within touching distance of a fight that would then put me there.”

Allen vs. Browne is part of a huge night of boxing in London.

Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Czech Republic’s Josef Zahradnik (10-2, 5KOs), Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Aussie hardman Lucas Browne is expecting a bloody and bruising affair when he collides with Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen at The O2 in London on April 20, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The Heavyweight rivals came face-to-face for the first time at today’s Public Workout at Old Spitalfields Market and both men were in good spirits as they embraced and joked, but the former WBA Heavyweight World Champion insists it will be strictly business come fight night.

“This is the first time I’ve met Dave and I really like him,” said Browne. “I’ve never had a bad word to say about him and I still don’t. He’s a cool guy and you can see how popular he is from today’s turnout at the workout, there was hundreds of the people there. It is what it is. We’re both professional fighters and I’m just going to do my job on the night.

“I don’t think he’s ever going to be a World Champion but he’s definitely a great fighter. If you put him up against anyone else in Australia, I think he beats them. He’s got a chin like a brick so it’s going to be a long night for me. I’m not going to bowl him over in one round but I’m prepared for all scenarios. We’re going to knock lumps off each other.

“I think there’s going to be blood, some cuts and some big punches. The fans are going to be the real winners. I genuinely believe this has got the potential to be Fight of the Year if everything gels. He looks like he’s started to take things very seriously and you can tell that by the shape he’s in. I think you’ll see the best versions of us next week.”

Browne returns to the scene of his sole career loss to Dillian Whyte determined to redeem himself. Since that loss, ‘Big Daddy’ (28-1) has made changes to his training team and bounced back with three wins. He believes another victory on April 20 will fire his name back into the World mix.

“My mental state wasn’t right heading into the Dillian Whyte fight. Everything that I was doing at home with training and going away from the family and all that sort of stuff wasn’t right, so that did affect everything else as well. My head wasn’t right and I think that had a big impact on everything leading up to the fight.

“My boxing trainer Rodney Williams who came over with me last time, he’s an absolute legend of a bloke as well as a boxing trainer, but I wasn’t doing any of the strength and conditioning and all that other stuff. I think I was definitely lacking in that regard.

“Now I’m hooked up with Jay Gray my Head Coach. I’m in Perth with my kids and family and that’s a full time thing there. Jay does everything in the one gym so not only my boxing, sparring and pad work, but all of the strength and conditioning, fitness and everything all in one spot.

“I think it’s something that I needed to do instead of spending so much time away from my family. I’m in a really good place now and I feel happy. I think that’s going to make a big difference to my career moving forward. This is the start of my journey to another Heavyweight World title.”

Allen vs. Browne is part of a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring, Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

DANIEL DUBOIS INSISTS he will have no issue in taking on the next available contenders should his proposed British title showdown with Joe Joyce not come to fruition.

The 21-year-old heavyweight and his team are adamant he will not be withdrawn from the mandated collision for the Lonsdale belt should he be successful in overcoming the threat posed by the world-ranked Ghanaian Richard Lartey at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27.

That being the case, it would be down to the Olympic silver medallist to choose whether he accepts the mission of attempting to de-rail the rapid progress of the 10-0 Dubois or look elsewhere to build on his success of stopping former world champion Bermane Stiverne last time out.

Dubois earlier today stated on his official Twitter account that he would like to win the British Title this year. Alternatives to Joyce could include the likes of David Allen and Derek Chisora.

Dubois is relishing the prospect of taking on Joyce, but when asked whether other names in the British frame such as Dereck Chisora and David Allen would hold any fears for him, ‘Triple D’ asserted he has no issues.

“I am not out to duck anybody and these guys are further on or roundabout the same stats as me in the rankings, so I have got to face them and I will do,” said the executor of nine KOs out of 10 fights, who acknowledges that the threats to his unbeaten progress are getting very real now.

“This is what we have been working towards and why I turned pro, to be moving up the rankings and progressing as I am.

“I haven’t really seen too much of Lartey, but I am sure he is going to be game and come ready for a fight, so I’ve got to be prepared one hundred per cent. I cannot cut any corners and I will be ready.”

Meanwhile, Dubois credits Joyce for adding a stellar name to his list of eight vanquished opponents and winning the Commonwealth title.

“It was a good win for Joyce and a good name for his resume. It was not the best Bermane Stiverne because he is at the end of his career now, but it was a good win and a good scalp for his CV against a former world champion.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There is a Queensberry debut for Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com