ARSLANBEK Makhmudov scored successive victories for the first time in two years, registering a rare decision triumph over the tough Dave Allen on away soil, despite Allen’s best attempts at a fairytale finish.
Following a career-changing duology with Johnny Fisher, Dave Allen, 24-8-2 (19 KOs), headlined the Sheffield Arena in the hopes of kicking off a new chapter, and deal with Matchroom Boxing, in style.
There, he was tasked with the imposing figure that is Arslanbek Makhmudov, 21-2 (19 KOs), a 6′ 6” Russian who had been avoided by the top contenders in the past, but one who had shown frailties of late, losing two of his last four outings prior.
Although, powerful and intimidating as Makhmudov be, the stubbornness of a Yorkshireman will always be tough to overcome – and Allen refused to cave in.
‘The White Rhino’ stood in front of Makhmudov and soaked up the pressure early on, knowing full well that Makhmudov’s two prior defeats had come largely as a result of fatigue, offering the occasional ‘Hail Mary’ shot but being mindful of a potential 12-round affair.
In the fifth, as Makhmudov appeared to slow down after dominating the opening exchanges, Allen grew into the contest, notably scoring with numerous uppercuts that snapped the head of the imposing visitor towards the ceiling.
That being said, the stamina of Makhmudov looked much-improved and aside from the fifth round and a point deduction for holding at the end of the seventh, he appeared to be in relative control.
However, in the ninth, it was Allen’s turn to take over once again, scoring with a mammoth overhand that shook Makhmudov and caused him to spit out his gumshield, before almost being decked by a phenomenal Allen onslaught against the ropes.
Roared on by an electric and infectious atmosphere, Allen swarmed his stagnant foe in desperate pursuit of a dramatic Balboa-style stoppage, but to no avail. Unfortunately for the pro-Allen crowd, Makhumdov showed as much of a granite chin as the home fighter.
In round 12, after absorbing a plethora of Allen’s best shots, Makhmudov held once more and was once again penalised, losing another potentially pivotal point.
Although, that proved not to be the case on the cards, with ‘The Lion’ returning home with a unanimous decision (115-111, 116-110, 117-109), despite the best efforts of a brave Dave Allen.
Other Results
- Joe Howarth vs Karl Sampson – 6 Rounds – 135lbs – Howarth (PTS)
- Joe Hayden vs Angelo Dragone – 6 Rounds – 147lbs – Hayden (PTS)
- Conner Tudsbury vs Khalid Gradia – 6 Rounds – 175lbs – Tudsbury (RD4 TKO)
- Ibraheem Sulaiman vs James Chereji – 8 Rounds – 130lbs – Sulaiman (PTS)
- Hamza Uddin vs Paul Roberts – 10 Rounds – 112lbs – Uddin (RD5 TKO)
- Josh Padley vs Reece Bellotti – 10 Rounds – 130lbs – Padley (UD)
- Junaid Bostan vs Bilal Fawaz 2 – 10 Rounds – 154lbs – Fawaz (MD)
