DAVE Allen has launched himself into an audacious assignment against Arslanbek Makhmudov, hoping to extend his pursuit of lucrative opportunities beyond what looks to be a considerable risk.
The two heavyweights will lock horns on October 11, headlining a card, which was announced by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing just moments ago, at the Sheffield Arena, England.
Their matchup, of course, was mooted via social media over the past few days, but only now has a specific date and venue been confirmed.
As for Allen, 24-7-2 (19 KOs), it was just over two months ago that he exacted his revenge on Johnny Fisher, who had emerged from their first encounter with a controversial split decision victory.
This time around, however, ‘The White Rhino’ removed any involvement from the judges and halted proceedings with an emphatic fifth-round finish.
Since then, a possible clash against Jeamie TKV – for the vacant British title – was seemingly explored, yet the Doncaster man has now been presented with a vastly different challenge altogether.
Standing in his way of life-changing money is Makhmudov, 20-2 (19 KOs), a heavy-handed puncher who has only fallen short against stiff competition.
“I’m buzzing to headline Sheffield’s Utilita Arena,” Allen said in a press release. “It’s always been a dream of mine and I’ve seen the likes of Prince Naseem Hamed, Kell Brook and Dalton Smith top the bill there over the years.
“So for me to have my name up there headlining at what is practically my home arena is amazing. And with that, I wanted to have the biggest fight possible.
“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.”
Makhmudov’s first stoppage defeat arrived against Agit Kabayel, the WBC’s leading contender, back in 2023, before he then found himself on the receiving end of an eighth-round finish against Guido Vianello the following year.
It is important to highlight, too, that the Canada-based Russian has only fought on away soil four times, with this next fight representing his first outing in Europe.
Yet despite his limitations, Makhmudov certainly represents a formidable test for Allen who, more so in sparring, has shared the ring with a selection of world-class operators.
