Boxer Dave Allen: how a fight for a thousand pounds saved his career.

According to The Sun: Dave Allen almost decided to end his boxing career, but an unexpected return to the ring changed his fate.

Allen went through a lot of difficulties: he struggled with gambling addiction and motivation problems.

He participated in fights with Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz, but quickly spent the money he won.

Memorable fights at the O2 arena became significant for him, as he knocked out Nick Webb and Lucas Browne there.

Unexpected Difficulties

However, in 2019, the situation escalated when Allen faced 2008 Olympic bronze medalist David Price, being completely unprepared.

Allen told BBC Sport: “Up to the fight week, I thought I would easily defeat him. I wasn't worried, thought the victory was mine. On fight week, I came, saw his size and thought: ‘Oh no!’”

After that fight, which ended bitterly for him, Allen faced serious health issues, including back injuries.

Return to the Ring

Dave Allen came out of retirement in November 2020 but returned to the ring only after a year, having a few small fights for rehabilitation.

Although he lost to Olympic silver medalist Frazer Clarke in September 2023, he later came back, participating in a match against Johnny Fisher in Saudi Arabia.

Allen says: “The fight with Price could have really ended my career. It could have ended the career of most boxers.”

In this rematch, Allen achieved great success by knocking out his opponent.

Allen spent his winnings on a new house for his family, and he shared that he still feels proud of his new home.

Next Challenge

Now Allen is preparing for a new fight – his opponent Arslanbek Makmudov is one of the most dangerous boxers in the world and a heavyweight contender.

Allen noted: “I picked Makmudov because he is the scariest of them all, and I consider him the best.”

This fight will be an important milestone in Allen's career, and if he manages to pull off a victory, he will have a chance to meet Deontay Wilder, which could open new opportunities for him in the boxing world.