DEONTAY Wilder was surprised to discover that Dave Allen, a fighter he claims to possess little knowledge of, has been mooted as a possible opponent.
The former world heavyweight champion will return to action on June 27, squaring off against limited campaigner Tyrrell Herndon at the Charles Koch Arena, Kansas.
Last time out, Wilder, 43-4-1 (42 KOs), found himself on the receiving end of a punishing fifth-round stoppage defeat to Zhilei Zhang, enhancing a widely-shared belief that he is, in fact, over the hill.
Yet still, the 39-year-old seemingly remains eager to launch another title charge before long, but must first end a year-long layoff against his fellow countryman next week.
Hoping to shoehorn himself into the mix for a clash with the American, meanwhile, is Allen, 24-7-2 (19 KOs), who elevated his career with a brutal fifth-round finish over Johnny Fisher last month.
Prior to that, many dismissed the 33-year-old’s credentials on the domestic scene, never mind at world-level, but now it would appear that he could soon land himself a monumental opportunity.
In an interview with Boxing News, Allen teased that a top-five heavyweight operator, who has remained nameless, is currently being explored as a potential opponent.
At the same time, though, the fan-friendly Doncaster man, along with Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, has expressed an interest in facing Wilder.
Believing that ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is no longer the same formidable puncher, Hearn has even suggested that Wilder’s promoter, Shelly Finkel, is keen on the unexpected matchup.
When asked directly about the possibility of facing Allen, however, the Olympic bronze medallist gave a largely dismissive response.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Wilder told Boxing News.
“We know that Eddie says a lot of things – he talks a lot – but I haven’t heard anything [about a matchup with Allen].
“I don’t spend a lot of time on social media. I’m in my own world, and when I’m away from boxing, I’m away from boxing.
“If something’s going on, especially in boxing, then someone will come to me and tell me about it. I won’t hear it [through social media].”
