Following a brutal fourth-round knockout victory over British heavyweight contender, Nick Webb; Dave Allen believes he has been given a second crack at boxing.
The “White Rhino” fought Nick Webb last month on the undercard of Whtye vs. Parker in a British title eliminator – a fight in which he was firmly the underdog going into, with only a week’s camp under his belt.
However, Allen unleashed an obliterating right that rendered Webb out for the count, draping the ropes to grab an impressive and necessary win.
Now, without contemplations of retirement laying claim to his future plans; the Doncaster man spoke exclusively to WBN, sharing his thoughts on preparations for his next heavyweight bout on October 13 at Newcastle’s Metro Arena.
Training at Ricky Hatton’s gym, Allen shared how vital experience is during a fight, his opinions on a win over Webb and whether a potential rematch would be on the cards.
Dave Allen talks to World Boxing News
“Things have been good – I’m getting ready for October 13th in Newcastle and it’s been nice spending time at Hatton’s gym – the atmosphere is great and getting to see Ricky and Tyson is brilliant,” Allen exclusively told World Boxing News.
“At the minute, there’s no opponent lined up as yet for October – I’m still waiting for Eddie (Hearn). Obviously, he’s very busy, he’s in America at the minute. Boxing is a waiting game sometimes, so we’ll see.”
Over his professional career; Allen has mixed it up in the square jungle with heavyweight giants, Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz. It’s fair to say the “White Rhino” is a tough, fearless and resilient individual who has always been more than game to scrap it out with anyone in the division.
So, with only a week’s preparation under his belt for his last fight, Allen was certainly not concerned, phased by fitness or his opponent’s boxing calibre ahead of and during the fight.
“I had a week’s training before I fought, Nick. I went into the fight and you never know what to make of it. But I knew I was more experienced so I just took my time and after the first round, I knew I was going to win the fight because ten rounds is a long time and Nick’s not got the experience and not been in a hard fight.
“I didn’t necessarily think I was going to knock him out – I just thought you know what, eventually I’m gonna get to him. I’m not the biggest puncher in the world but it was a good shot.
No rematch
“I wasn’t fit but I’ve got really good stamina and I can fight all day. With the pace I set off at and my experience, I knew I’d get to him. I think he’s a good fighter and I really like Nick Webb, but I think that last fight will do him the world of good.”
Whether he feels a rematch with Nick Webb would be relevant or enticing enough for the boxing fans; Allen added: “In my opinion, if I was lookin’ after Nick Webb I’d stay away from fighters like me.
“I feel I’d beat him ten times out of ten. He’s a lovely fella and I wish him well but, a rematch? Who knows?
“If I keep winning and he keeps winning then maybe a British title fight next time. I think he’s a good fighter and he’s around that level already but, it’s not a fight that really makes sense to me right now. I want to go on to bigger and better things, bigger names, you know? I’ll box for a British title next if that’s possible.
“I wish Nick the best and I genuinely think he can become a British heavyweight champion. But, if it pays well and it’s for a British title, who knows maybe there’ll be a rematch. But, I don’t think he should stay away, really – my style isn’t good for him.”
Dave Allen will feature on the undercard at Newcastle’s Metro Arena, televised live by Sky Sports. The main event will see Lewis Ritson face Francesco Pantera for the vacant European Lightweight title.
By Daniel Smith.
