Dave Allen promises war with Arslanbek Makhmudov, but it wasn’t his first choice of fights
Dave Allen is promising his clash with Arslanbek Makhmudov is going to be a war after admitting he feels an obligation to entertain those who are coming to support him.
The Doncaster heavyweight, who faces the fearsome Russian puncher at Sheffield Arena this weekend, has emerged as one of the best-loved boxers in Britain following two memorable bouts against ‘The Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher.
Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom, Allen revealed the love fight fans across the country have shown him since overcoming a series of challenges both inside and outside of the ring means he feels obliged to repay them with an unmissable night of action.
“I’m not going to go in there and play it safe,” Allen confirmed.
“That wouldn’t be right.
“You can’t ask people to spend good money on a fight you pretty much already know the outcome of, either. It’s not fair and it’s not right. People work hard to get the money to buy these tickets and so they deserve to get something back for that. That’s how I view it anyway.”
“The way everyone has got behind me, I genuinely feel really humbled by that. It means a lot. So, because of the love people have shown me, I’m determined to give them something back,” Allen told SportsBoom.co.uk.
Aged 33, Allen is preparing to face Makhmudov on the cusp of a world title challenge after May’s stunning victory over Fisher was rewarded with a number eight ranking by the WBA.
Given that his opponent is viewed as one of the most heavy-handed in the division, with 19 of his 20 wins coming by way of knockout, Allen’s decision to lock horns with someone whose victims include Carlos Takam and former WBC king Samuel Peter appears to be a huge and, according to some observers, unnecessary risk.
But Allen countered: “I was looking at a British title fight to begin with, then that fell through. Everyone else was saying they were injured so I told the team: ‘Get me a list of who is available.’ I thought Arslanbek was the best out of all of them, so we went for him.
“Listen, I know I’m probably not the ninth best heavyweight in the world. I’m honest enough to admit that. But what I also know is that I’m in a great position and another win here will put me in an even better one.
“I don’t want to give people crap fights. That’s not what I’m in it for and that’s not what they want to see.
“I’ll look at who is the best person out there we can get something done with and go for them. That’s how it should be.”
Despite Makhmudov’s impressive CV, Allen has kept high-calibre company himself. Before the first of two meetings with Fisher, which ended with the Essex fighter being awarded a hugely controversial and debatable points decision, Allen has fought the likes of Dillian Whyte, Luis Ortiz, Frazer Clarke and Lucas Browne.
The return against Fisher, at London’s Copper Box arena, ended in stunning fashion when the ‘home’ athlete was knocked out in the fifth of 10 scheduled rounds.
That triumph saw Allen leave the capital with the WBA Inter-Continental belt; the first major prize of a near decade-and-a-half long professional career.
“We had nearly 10,000 in for that one and this fight coming up just feels even bigger,” Allen said.
“The support I’ve got has been amazing really. It’s just gone on, after I beat Lucas, to another level really.
“I’m so thankful for that. It means a lot. I want to give something back for it.”