Popular British prizefighter, Dave Allen, returns to his hometown for a “David vs Goliath” fight against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, England, and, win or lose, has only one next opponent in mind — Tyson Fury.
Allen’s weekend bout is a timely one. Anthony Joshua recently confirmed a tune-up against unheralded boxer Kristian Prenga on July 25, ahead of a probable Battle of Britain later in the year against Fury.
But Fury, too, has indicated he wants a warm-up before that monster of a show, despite returning to the ring after a 16-month retirement.
Allen wants to be to Fury what Prenga is for Joshua, he told Sky Sports.
“If I beat Hrgovic, Tyson Fury is getting called out — 100 per cent.”
— Dave Allen makes no secret of his priorities
“Even if I lose to Hrgovic but put a good fight up, I want the Fury fight,” he added.
Allen, 34, has fought 35 times, and yo-yos between wins and losses, rebounding from a defeat via decision to Arslanbek Makhmudov to finish Karim Berredjem in the first round. Previously, his best wins included a fifth-round knockout of Johnny Fisher and finishes over Dorian Darch and Lucas Browne — both in the third.
Hrgovic would no doubt be his crowning achievement, if he were to foil Filip.
“I’ll do what I can but it’s going to be hard work,” Allen said. “Another Olympic medallist, the fourth Olympic medallist I’ve faced in my career.”
Allen said he’ll enter the ring in front of his own fans, yes, but without the pressure which, he said, sits solely on Hrgovic’s shoulders.
“I’ve sold the tickets just so he can come over here and bang me out in a few rounds and call [Moses] 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.
“I think Filip Hrgovic will get a real big surprise actually,” he said. “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.”
