Boxing world reveal their predictions for the Nick Webb v Dave Allen heavyweight fight
Heavyweights Nick Webb and Dave Allen set to clash on Dillian Whyte vs Joseph Parker undercard this weekend (July 28)
Unbeaten Nick Webb (12-0), 30 from Chertsey, will meet Doncaster’s Dave Allen (13-4-2), 26, at London’s O2 Arena in an eliminator for the British heavyweight title as part of the July 28 Dillian Whyte vs Joseph Parker bill, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The pair will set the Greenwich Peninsula alight in what is expected to be an all-action, explosive heavyweight battle due to their exciting clash of styles – Allen wears his heart on his sleeve and likes to tread forwards and trade and Webb is a devastating puncher brimming with confidence.
Although the Surrey man, known to fans as ‘Wild’ Webb, is yet to taste defeat in his 12-fight career, the upcoming clash with the ‘White Rhino’ will mark a significant step up in class for Webb.
It’s another difficult one to call so BBN called upon their trusted panel to help break down the fight and pick a winner:
Robbie Davies JrWBA Continental super-lightweight champion
“I always want Dave Allen to win. Fights anyone anywhere and he's always looking to lift the spirits of others. Top lad, hope he does it.”
Miles Shinkwin Former Southern Area light-heavyweight champion
“I love Dave and his fight anyone attitude. As long as he’s not completely out of shape, which judging by his Twitter he’s not, he can give Webb a serious fight.
I’m hoping for Dave to win, he’s one of Boxing’s good guys. Although I wouldn’t be laying any money on that.”
Peter SimsBoxing Trainer
“Looking at Nick Webb’s record, he’s not been in with anyone at Dave Allen’s level and I think this will show in the later part of fight.
Allen, for me, by stoppage or points win.”
Dean Gillen British Challenge Belt Contender
“Dave Allen is a man after my own heart, as he's always game and willing to take a fight against the odds. We've all witnessed the size of his cahoonas and larger than life personality at weigh ins, which is what makes him a true people’s champ, but he's got some serious balls to face the opponents he has!
Some bookies have Webb as a 1-6 on favourite, but I'm backing the Rhino! So long as he's learnt from the losses, I believe the experience and having fought against better opposition, will stand him in good stead against the largely untested Webb!
I'm hoping to see a resurgence from Allen and charge like a Rhino at the chance of a British title shot!”
Tim Rickson Sports Agent
“This promises to be a cracking fight – Allen is tough and aggressive, and Webb can punch a bit!
I think this will be a war with Allen walking forwards but copping some stingers from Webb, and I would be very surprised if it goes the distance. I think every round will be filled with drama, there won't be any cagey opening rounds, it will be filled with excitement and big bombs being thrown from the first bell.
Webb should be a champion already and I think his frustrations at missed title opportunites – namely with Gorman, Dubois and Joyce – will fuel the fire further. With Dave saying things about his weight and fitness not being great, taking the fight at short notice, and also the talk of having a break from boxing and calling this fight 'one last roll of the dice', I don't think he has the mindset and ambition to match Webb in this fight.
I like and respect Allen, I think most people do, but I’m backing Webb to win inside the distance.”
Lewis CalvertBig Write Hook
“If Dave Allen gets a surprising win on such short notice he could test the theory that you can in fact “play” boxing.
The White Rhino is likeable, funny and as honest as the day is long but, having already admitted his ill-disciplined diet and lack of training on Twitter as recently as last week, he may well come into this fight looking like the White Elephant!
The elephant in the room perhaps seems to be that despite being a huge fan favourite, Allen even with a full camp may lack the power to succeed at the very highest level. He has shown tremendous heart and courage in his valiant losses to World level opponents Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz though, and that experience, at least defensively, could serve him well at the top tier of the domestic scene where he could find plenty of success. However, this does seem too quick a fight to take.
A strong Nick Webb will look to get a few rounds in against a proven durable opponent and if he takes the fight past six-rounds, Webb's endurance and output should prove the difference for a points win. It is more about conditioning than talent in this bout for me.
It does seem to be a quick cash-in for Allen and he has faced several disparaging comments on social media saying likewise, and though I commend him for the courage to gamble, on this occasion, I will have to back against him. That being said, should the pair rematch and Allen have longer to prepare, my money would be on the Yorkshireman.”
Niall DoranBoxing News & Views
“Good domestic heavyweight scrap. With Allen talking about taking a break from boxing after this not sure how interested he is in the fight / his career at the moment, long-term, other than a quick pay day on Saturday, so favour Webb inside the distance.
Have a feeling Allen will lay it all on the line though as he knows it’s going to be his last fight for a while, which could mean he'll just go for broke, which is dangerous. Style-wise that would suit big-hitting Webb down to the ground, though.”
Ray AskewBoxing Trainer
“Really looking forward to this one. My heavyweight DL Jones has spared with both these lads and both have some great attributes. Most notable is Nick’s punching power when he's allowed to sit down on his shots, and I think he will be at his most dangerous for the first six-rounds.
Dave is a lovely fella with a chin of iron and a heart the size of Yorkshire. He also packs a fair bit of power himself and I really fancy him for this fight because firstly I know how much this title would mean to him and it could also be the 'last chance saloon' for him to earn any proper money. I see a real possibility of Dave coming on strong as Nick tires from six onwards and the possibility of a stoppage in his favour.”
Mick Gordon Ring Announcer
“Nick Webb, because if he connects, its ‘bye-bye’.”
Jack JacobsBBN Writer
“This fight for me, is anyone's game, it's a step up for Webb and a must win for Allen. I would like to see Webb continue his unbeaten run and think it will be over before the final bell, However if I was putting money on this fight it would be a stoppage win for Allen after a tough challenge from the man from Surrey.
Allen to win in the second half of the fight.”
Joey PyleBoxing Promoter
“Webb trains at my gym in Guildford.
Webb by knockout!!”
Joseph SizaBBN Writer
"We’ve been here a couple of times but this really is last chance saloon for Dave Allen.
This is a great opportunity to get back into the mix and potentially go on to challenge for a British title, but Nick Webb poses a difficult challenge. He’s tall, undefeated and can bang – whilst having taken none of the punishment Allen has taken so far in his career.
Allen’s experience and will to win could push him far in this fight but I lean towards a Webb points victory."
Dan AzeezUnbeaten light-heavyweight
"This is Nick's toughest challenge to date, which I fully expect him to overcome. I see Nick winning a points decision as Dave Allen is tough and has been in the ring with some really good fighters and I'd say he's more experience."
Daniel Smith BBN Writer
"Nick Webb: a 6ft 5" and 17 stone, heavyweight stalwart banger whom sports nine knockouts on a clean record of 12-0-0. Nick will battle it out against the 6ft 3", 16 stone Dave "White Rhino" Allen – the winner of the fight potentially presenting a challenge to the British Heavyweight champion, Hughie Fury.
Both men can certainly bang, however, I feel as though conditioning, resilience and (more so for Nick Webb), fundamentals win this bout. Allen definitely has the more resilient chin, as we witnessed during his fight against Luis Ortiz back in 2016 when he absorbed a smashing uppercut, which would've dropped and put away many a heavyweight.
Webb needs to utilise his reach, height and weight advantage, carefully choosing his punches and try to get some rounds under his belt rather than looking to tee-off with his big, heavy right hand.
If Nick Webb keeps a tight defence and deploys his jab and one, two combinations, then he should grab the win either by late knockout or points win. But, if the fight becomes a broiling slug-fest then this may bode well for Allen as Webb may not be able to endure deep waters.
Good luck to both men. May the best man win."
RESULTS
RESULTS: Dave Allen shocks Nick Webb with big knockout