MATCHROOM CEO Frank Smith says Dave Allen still has a bright future in the sport despite suffering his eighth loss last night.
“The White Rhino” stepped up in levels to take on fearsome Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Sheffield Arena. Despite the bookmakers pricing the fight as a 50-50 Allen came up short losing by decision.
Allen’s popularity has risen in recent times and last night’s atmosphere and attendance was evidence of that. Smith is backing the 33-year-old to bounce back and be involved in some more big nights.
Speaking to Boxing News afterwards he said, “Dave Allen dared to be great against a fighter in Makhmudov who was a level above where Dave had been in recent times. It’s the sport we’re in we don’t enough times see fighters trying to take a chance like Dave Allen did tonight.”
After stopping Johnny Fisher in the fifth round of their May rematch Allen re-signed with Matchroom and had a number of options for his next fight. Facing Makhmudov was seen as a gamble but one that British boxing fans admired and will no doubt turn out to support Allen again.
“All credit to Arslanbek. He deserved to win but Dave will be back,” Smith said.
“When you create nights like that, when you create atmospheres like that – with a fan base like Dave has – there is literally no limits as to where he can go in the sport.
“He can go in there against any of the big heavyweight names and not just as an opponent, but as someone who brings a lot of value to a fight.”
