Dave Allen volunteers to be next opponent for Tyson Fury tune-up bout as he threatens to triumph over Filip Hrgovic in Doncaster
‘The White Rhino’ Dave Allen has volunteered himself as the next opponent for Tyson Fury’s tune-up bout ahead of ‘The Gypsy King’s’ showdown with Anthony Joshua scheduled for later this year.
Fury is set to finally fight his long-time rival Joshua around November time this year. But with Joshua taking a comeback fight in July, Fury could have a warm-up of his own in the summer.
No opponent has been decided for that run-out, but popular Doncaster heavyweight Allen has now offered his services for that bout. Doncaster backs its own in numbers, and supporters looking past the heavyweight division for a wager can read our guide to greyhound betting.
He hopes his contest this Saturday, May 16, against Croatian Filip Hrgovic will put himself in the frame for a lucrative Fury fight.
“If I beat Hrgovic, Tyson Fury is getting called out,” Allen told Sky Sports. “100 per cent.
“Even if I lose to Hrgovic but put a good fight up, I want the Fury fight.”
Hrgovic though could well be yet another gruelling fight in Allen’s career. In October the Doncaster man suffered a punishing 12-round loss to Arslanbek Makhmudov, whom Fury beat on his return to boxing last month.
“I’ll do what I can but it’s going to be hard work,” Allen said of Hrgovic. “Another Olympic medallist, the fourth Olympic medallist I’ve faced in my career. I’ve boxed everybody.
“I’m buzzing for it, I’m excited for it, I’m not under no pressure. All the pressure’s on Filip. I’ve just got to go out there, do my best, try my best and that’s enough.”
Allen also suspects that Hrgovic is looking past him towards a potential fight with Moses Itauma.
Chatham’s Itauma is due to box next in August and if Hrgovic does come through his bout with Allen victorious and unscathed then he could get that fight.
“He could be there. We’ll make our decision next week who it’s going to be,” promoter Frank Warren told Sky Sports.
“[Against Allen] Filip Hrgovic is going into the other man’s backyard and he’s determined to show that he should be in this mix with a big, big fight. It’s so alight, it’s so electric, this heavyweight division. So many good fights to be made and they’re all vying to get into contention for the big fights.”
Allen is adamant he can spring an upset. “I’ve sold the tickets just so he can come over here and bang me out in a few rounds and call Itauma out – I know the script. But I’ve trained hard and I really think I can give anyone a fight. I’ll hopefully prove that Saturday,” Allen said.
“I think Filip Hrgovic will get a real big surprise actually. I think he’ll be surprised by my speed and my ability. Even though I’m not as tough as people think, I’m definitely a hell of lot better than people think.”
However, he has no intention of relicating the heavyweight humdinger from last weekend, which saw Danie Dubois stop Fabio Wardley in round 11.
“I hope my fight’s not that good on Saturday. That was terrifying,” Allen said. “I think it was one of the best fights I’ve ever seen through five or six rounds. But it wasn’t that competitive really. Daniel’s jab is the difference.
“His jab hurts more than his right hand, from sparring him. His left hand is incredible. It was a great fight through six then it was a bit uncomfortable viewing from then.
“It was like 10 fights in one that. Daniel Dubois was just teeing off on him. He’s so tough Wardley,” Allen admired.
“If I got a good hiding like that I don’t think I’d box again. I don’t think I’d leave the house again!”
How to watch Allen vs Hrgovic