UK fans have pleaded with heavyweight Frazer Clarke not to give Dave Allen too much of a beating when the pair meet on September 2 in Manchester.
Clarke was added to the Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr 2 undercard in a Phase 1 announcement by BOXXER last month. Many were surprised that Allen was brought back to Sky Sports after severing ties with Eddie Hearn.
David Price famously brutalized Allen in his last high-profile appearance on the network. “The White Rhino” needed oxygen administered as he recovered from a ten-round beating.
The Doncaster man subsequently retired from the sport. However, he returned seven months later in a controversial fight against Dorian Darch.
Accused of a betting admission live on Sky, Allen faced questions from the British Boxing Board of Control and never fought under the Matchroom banner again. Allen again walked away from the sport.
After eighteen months of getting itchy knuckles, Allen signed with Dennis Hobson campaigning three times in the proceeding eighteen months.
Scoring early knockouts against weaker opposition, Allen was nursed back to avoid punishment. Therefore, it was a surprise when Allen was pitted against a dangerous up-and-comer like Clarke.
Heavyweight Frazer Clarke, go easy on Dave Allen
So much so that fans took to social media to ask Clarke not to go full throttle on Allen, but the 7-0 puncher will no doubt want to score a sixth career knockout.
Clarke gained invaluable rounds against former world title challenger Mariuz Wach at York Hall in June. He will now look to get back to early finishes against Allen.
To help in his quest, Allen has brought in coaches Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis to work alongside Roger Sampson to prepare him for this fight.
Allen will need all that and more after suffering defeats against all his top opposition so far. David Price, Tony Yoka, Luis Ortiz, and Dillian Whyte gave Allen a one-sided hiding.
‘Papi Pay Per View’ secured wins over Lucas Browne and Nick Webb. However, their levels are nothing compared with the likable star’s losses.
He certainly has it all to do when he faces Clarke.
The undercard announcement for Smith vs Eubank 2 also included spots for Florian Marku against Dylan Moran at welterweight. Plus, Ben Whittaker and Mark Heffron vs Jack Cullen.
Promoter Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to announce the first four additions to what promises to be an action-packed undercard.
“The response to Smith-Eubank II has been incredible. Manchester is going to be rocking on September 2. We look forward to releasing more undercard announcements soon.”
