'The White Rhino' Dave Allen retires after 25 professional bouts
Heavyweight hero Dave Allen (18-5-2, 15KOs) has retired from boxing after 25 professional contests during his time at the top level.
The ever-popular 'White Rhino' shocked all of his fans with a post on Instagram this morning after initially being announced to feature on the Conor Benn vs Sebastien Formella card on Saturday, 21st November.
Allen's notable victories against heavyweights such as Lucas Browne and Nick Webb were also surrounded by top level fights but falling short with defeats to Dillian Whyte, David Price and Tony Yoka during his career, but showed his warrior attitude in the sport and was always a fan favourite for the British public at events.
His statement read: "Hello everyone, I hoped I would never have to write this message, never mind at 28 with my last fight being when I was 27 years old.
"But I made the decision a few nights ago with my sister that I would no longer from that moment on be a professional fighter, boxing has given me a life I could never of dreamed of.
"I had never been out of Doncaster but for school trips till I started boxing and it’s taken me round the world from New York City to working men’s club all around the UK, as well as seeing the world.
"It has taken me from the kid brought up in a council house with yellow doors wearing Umbro to a man who still wears Umbro but owns a few houses and who has given myself a chance to give my future kids a life I could only have dreamed of.
"On top of and more importantly I have made the greatest friends, some of them being my childhood heroes, the list of thanks would be far to long but I hope everyone knows who they are and know they are appreciated.
"Lastly the reason for me calling it a day is simple, I don’t want to get punched anymore.
"Long gone are the days of the kid from Donny who just wants to fight, all I want now is a nice quiet life with a wife and some kids, healthy and happy getting nice and fat."
The 28-year-old from Conisbrough now turns to guiding the career of his young protege Danny Murrell, who looked impressive during his professional debut on November 11.
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