LAST NIGHT, Doncaster’s Dave Allen, ‘The White Rhino’, roared to his biggest career win, stopping the unbeaten ‘Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher in the fifth round at the Copper Box Arena. The 33-year-old heavyweight claimed the WBA Inter-Continental belt, capping a remarkable turnaround for a fighter once written off.
Five months after their controversial draw, Allen and Fisher, friends outside the ring, put their bond aside for a bruising rematch. Allen’s power proved decisive, flooring Fisher to end his perfect record. The victory, Allen’s 34th professional fight, marked his first major title and a personal triumph after years battling addiction and mental health issues.
Former heavyweight king Anthony Joshua, who once sparred with Allen, hailed his resurgence. Posting on Instagram last night (May 17), Joshua wrote: “Dave was suicidal, a gambling addict who everyone thought was finished a few years ago. Now he’s got a family, a few hundred thousand pounds, and his biggest win. BOXING.”
Joshua, 35, knows a thing or two about comebacks. The two-time unified champion, stopped by Daniel Dubois in five rounds at Wembley last September, told DAZN’s Claudio Trejos in Riyadh this month that elbow surgery will sideline him for six to eight weeks. “Once I’m healed, I’ll be back doing what I do best: working on my double jabs, triple jabs, head movement, and footwork. We’ll stay active.”
