Dave Allen’s spirited performance wasn’t enough and he lost by unanimous decision to Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Allen looked to build on the momentum he had built with his stunning knockout win over Johnny Fisher in May, but Makhmudov put in a dominant performance at the Sheffield Arena, with the judges scoring the decision 115-111, 116-110 and 117-109 all in favor of the Russian. The score was recorded.
Allen, cheered by the home fans, bid to put his name in the picture for potential future fights with the likes of Deontay Wilder and Moses Itauma, but Makhmudov’s power was evident early on. He boxed well behind his jab and his powerful right hand kept Allen honest all night.
Allen had his moments of success with left hooks to the body and the odd uppercut, but was unable to sustain his offense as Makhmudov silenced the fans inside the Sheffield Arena.
There was a lot of talk about Makhmudov’s stamina before the fight, but as the fight went into the later rounds, Allen still wasn’t able to make a dent on Makhmudov. Makhmudov continued his strong showing until the final bell as he cruised to victory.
Allen had trouble hitting Makhmudov on a disappointing night for the Briton. (Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing)
Allen: I wasn’t good enough
It was a disappointing end for Allen, who was chasing the best win of his career, but he vowed to keep fighting.
“The top and bottom of it is that I’m not good enough,” he said. Dazuen After his defeat.
“He was so big and so good. I’ve never been attacked like that in my life. He hurt me five or six times and Jamie (Moore) tried to pull me out with two rounds left, but I always tried to see the final bell. I don’t give up.
“He’s in the top 20 in the world and I’m not. It’s as simple as that. I just wasn’t good enough.”
He added about his future: “It’s not over yet. I could win the British title or challenge for bridgerweight, but I’m not done yet.
“How can you leave me alone on a night like that?”
Mahmudov calls out AJ.
Meanwhile, Mahmudov showed a lot of respect for Allen after the contest, describing him as a “lion”, calling his chin “crazy” and demanding a match against another British heavyweight.
He said, “I respect Dave Allen. He’s got a crazy chin. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. He’s a lion.”
He added of his potential next opponent: “Anthony Joshua, where are you? I’m coming for you.”
“I already spoke to him and he promised that he will fight me next year. I am ready.”
