Hobson on Allen: “He’s training with Jamie Moore, looking in great shape, happy and confident”
Dennis Hobson gives his fight prediction for ‘Big Fraze’ vs ‘White Rhino’
A pro for 11 years, Fight Academy’s Dave Allen gets a pivotal career test this Saturday, September 2, when he faces former top amateur turned pro heavyweight, Frazer Clarke, on the undercard of Smith-Eubank 2 at the Manchester Arena, live on Sky Sports.
A firm fan-favourite, the ‘Doncaster De La Hoya’ has lost just five of 28 since turning over in 2012 but has been out of the spotlight since losing to British behemoth David Price in 2019.
After picking up a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympic Games, 6’ 6” Clarke, from Burton-on-Trent is now undefeated in seven, with five KOs, but gets his first real test when he steps in with Conisbrough contender Allen who, at 31, is a year younger than the 32-year-old Staffordshire man, and three-inches shorter.
This is an intriguing fight, matching Clarke’s high skillset against Allen’s toughness and greater experience in the pro ring. ‘Big Fraze’ is the bigger man in the contest too but he hasn’t yet been through a gut-check, which is something the ‘White Rhino’ has provided to prospects on plenty of occasions.
Dave has been in some tough fights and has miles on the clock, but if he can show the form that saw him beat Lucas Browne and hang tough with Dillian Whyte then he could still win this and put himself within touching distance of his long-term dream of a British title shot.
“Dave started his pro career with me and I actually gave him his ‘White Rhino’ nickname!” explained manager and promoter, Dennis Hobson. “So, I know him very well and what he’s capable of.
“For too many fights, Dave hasn’t trained properly or taken the sport seriously, and he’s been in hard fights when he shouldn’t have been. But when he’s focused, Dave is a handful for any of the top heavyweights.
“He’s training with Jamie Moore now and is looking in great shape, and seems happy and confident. We know Frazer was a very good amateur, but he’s actually older than Dave, and will have plenty of wear and tear too.
“The amateur game is very different from the pros, and Dave knows it inside and out. Dave is probably the underdog in this one but this is a great chance we’ve secured for him to get himself back to where he was a few years ago.
“If he can take Frazer into the later rounds and turn it into a fight rather than a boxing match, then I believe he’ll come out on top. What I can guarantee is that this will be a great fight, Dave’s never in a bad one!”
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