Johnny Fisher vs David Allen run it back, but who wins this time?
“The Romford Bull” vs “The White Rhino” lock horns once again!!
Johnny Fisher (13-0, 11 KOs) and David Allen (23-7-2, 18 KOs) meet again, this time at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday, May 17, live on DAZN.
The highly-anticipated rematch has been titled “The Inquest”, as their first fight ended in disagreement and debate, so a second study is required.
In their initial meeting, last December, on the undercard of Fury-Usyk 2 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the favourite Fisher started brightly in the opening rounds, only to tire early and get dropped in the fifth, forced to hang on for another five bruising rounds.
Exhausted, cut, and battered, 26-year-old Fisher rallied to the final bell, where he edged the scorecards 95-94, 95-94, 96-93, albeit to the dismay of the spectators, who largely believed that Allen should have won.
Which is why the rematch is required to determine the rightful victor, but who will that be second time around? BBN asked their panel of experts for their professional views.
Wayne Alexander, Former British, European, World Champion: “This fight, I believe, maybe even better than their first one, its a great fight for British boxing.
“The last fight was a close all-action contest in which I thought that David Allen won by one point because of the knockdown, I think that Allen’s extra experience will get him a more decisive victory this time in a good entertaining domestic dust-up.”
Matt Marsh, Former British Champion: “I like both boxers, but, on paper, I think Johnny Fisher should win, however, after their last fight, I have a feeling Dave Allen could win.”
Steve Wood, VIP Promotions: “I’m going for Fisher this time. He was winning the fight easy last time before he got clipped and hurt.
“Dave Allen had his chance to finish it then and do not think he will get it again this time, I believe John will be a lot more switched on for this fight and have the fear factor, which I believe was not there last time, and should work for a much better performance.”
Tony Tolj, Australian Boxing Promoter: “This should be another cracking fight, I was at the last one and felt the decision should have gone the other way, but looking forward to the rematch. I’m going with Dave Allen this time.”
Ace Adam, Unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Prospect: “I’m backing David Allen to win this weekend. He’s the more experienced fighter and has shared the ring with higher-level opposition over the years. His toughness, ring IQ, and ability to weather pressure could be key against a still-developing Johnny Fisher.
“If Allen can take Fisher into the later rounds and make it a gritty, drawn-out contest, I think he has a real chance of grinding out the win.”
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: Fisher was perhaps surprised at the difference between the sparring version of Dave Allen compared to the fighting version in front of him in that ring. It also appears that his conditioning wasn’t up to scratch, as he tired very quickly, breathing heavily as early as the second round.
“Inexperienced, he put a lot of power behind his early punches, so he didn’t conserve his energy well, which Allen sensed so came in closer and clinched and leaned on him to sap his strength, which worked. There were times when Fisher was so exhausted that he couldn’t move or muster the strength to throw anything back.
“This time, I’m sure the younger, fresher Fisher will have addressed his fitness issues to come back in better condition. 33-yar-old Allen looked revived under Jamie Moore and Nigel Travers, and although I expect another training camp to improve him further, he surely must be limited at his advanced age and 32 hard fights.
“If Fisher can come back fitter, then I think he could fight his own fight to win on points, because Allen is tough and durable to last the distance. If Fisher does dominate this time, then Jamie Moore could be quick to withdraw Allen if he’s taking too much damage, because he is too tough for his ow good. If that happens, then it’d be in rounds 6-10 or even later in 8-10.”
Ben Day, Former Southern Area Champion: “Fair play to Fisher, because it’s a dangerous rematch. If I was his manager, I’d say have another one or two easier fights, then go back to the Allen rematch. Both great guys.”
Louis Robinson, Boxing Trainer: “I think Johnny has got to get behind his jab more and just box long-range and change that pace here and there when needed and not go out looking for the KO, as Dave is a tough, tough cookie, who will not be blitzed away.
“I think if Johnny does that then it’s his fight. I think if he is trying to interact like the first fight, I can only see one winner and that will be Dave Allen, if he is allowed to close the distance. A cracking dust-up and great to see both men headlining.”
Harry Baskind, BBN Writer: “Fisher redemption for me. I don’t think he knocks Allen out as he’s a very intelligent and experienced fighter. I expect fisher to get behind the jab and use his youth advantages to give him his most desired victory.”
Marshall Kauffman, Kings Promotions: “This is a great match up with David Allen vs Johnny Fisher.
“I think the fact that Johnny Fisher got through the first fight and won then he will be more prepared for this fight going into it for the second time against a tough journeyman in David Allen, and if he would come up short then his future would be in question.
“These are the type of fights that a young prospect is supposed to win. I am picking Johnny Fisher by decision over David Allen.”
Arijan Goricki, IBO Title Contender: “My prediction is Fisher by TKO in the middle rounds.”
Donald C Stewart, BBN Writer: “Is this the Old Dave Allen versus the New Dave Allen… again? Allen (the original) won the first fight, whilst The Romford Bull has been moulded in a type of Dave Allen/Eddie Hearn geezer-style and could be a Joe Bugner-level fella, who might not get to the top, but the journey is the best bit of it.
“The worry is that he is another Lewis Ritson/Ted Cheeseman crash and burn sort, with a side order of Gareth A Davies baiting to go along with the mains. It’s all narrative, with a bit of power and, unlike other recent efforts at gathering momentum around the personalities of fighters, actually a decent level fight.
“I favour a repeat of the first fight result, but less of a debate. I would love for the original to make his own headlines by flattening the wannabe… but I think Fisher is actually a bit better than Allen was at the same stage.”
Bogdan Musat, Manager & Matchmaker: “I think that in this second fight, Fisher will not give any chance to Allen. I see him winning by TKO until the fifth round.”
Daniel Smith, BBN Writer: “Johnny Fisher and Mark Tibbs would have learnt from the first fight, and it was more than probable that Allen’s experienced, ‘old man’ tactics will not fool the Romford Bull a second time.
“Allen exploited Fisher’s inexperience and came close to kayoing the younger man. However, in a rematch, if Fisher boxes sensibly and conservatively – using his lengthy jab, landing one-two combinations, and making effective adjustments in the clinches – he will be more adept at countering Allen’s strategies, nullifying his game plan, and dictating the pace of the fight.
“I’m going Fisher by points or stoppage.”
Betting Odds
4/9 Fisher
12/5 Allen
18/1 Draw
