Dave Allen’s spirited performance wasn’t enough as he fell to a unanimous decision loss to Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Allen looked to continue his momentum with his devastating knockout victory over Johnny Fisher in May, but Makhmudov produced a dominant performance at the Sheffield Arena with the judges scoring the match 115-111, 116-110 and 117-109, all in favor of the Russian, although he had two points deducted for holding.
Encouraged by the home fans, Allen attempted to put his name in the picture for potential future fights with the likes of Deontay Wilder and Moses Itauma, but Makhmudov’s power was evident from the start. He boxed well behind his jab and his powerful right hand kept Allen honest all night.
Allen had his moments, succeeding with left hooks to the body and some upper cuts, but he couldn’t sustain the attacks as Makhmudov calmed the fans inside the Sheffield Arena.
Before the fight, there was much talk about Makhmudov’s stamina, but as the fight progressed into the closing rounds, Allen was still unable to make a dent in Makhmudov, who continued to look strong until the final bell as he cruised to victory.
Allen: I wasn’t good enough
It was a disappointing end for Allen, who was looking for his career-best victory, but he vowed to keep fighting.
“The up and down is I’m not good enough,” he said. DAZN following his defeat.
“He was too big and too good. I’ve never been hit like that in my life. He hurt me five or six times and Jamie [Moore] I wanted to retire with two laps to go, but I was still going to see the final bell. I’m not a quitter.
“He’s in the top 20 in the world and I’m not. It’s as simple as that. I just wasn’t good enough.”
Regarding his future, he added: “I’m not finished. Maybe a British title or try bridge weights, but I’m not finished.
“Nights like this, how can I leave him alone?”
Makhmudov calls out to AJ
Meanwhile, Makhmudov showed Allen a lot of respect after the contest, describing him as a “lion” and calling his chin “crazy” before calling for a contest against another British heavyweight.
He said: “I respect Dave Allen. He’s got a crazy chin. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. He’s a lion.”
Regarding his next potential opponent, he added: “Anthony Joshua, where are you? I’m coming for you.
“I already spoke to him and he gave me his word that he would fight me next year. I’m ready.”
