Dave Allen (23-7-2, 18 KO) faced Johnny Fisher (13-0, 11 KO) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Copper Box Arena in a highly anticipated rematch, following their controversial first bout in Saudi Arabia in December 2024.
The initial encounter, held on December 21, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, saw Fisher awarded a split-decision victory despite being dropped in the fifth round. Many observers, including Allen himself and even Fisher’s promoter Eddie Hearn, believed ‘The White Rhino’ had done enough to win the 10-round contest.
“I thought I did enough, especially after that knockdown. But it is what it is. I’m proud of my performance, I gave everything I had,” said Allen in the aftermath of the loss.
Initially skeptical about a rematch, ‘The White Rhino’ eventually embraced it, seeing it as a new lease on his career and expressing full confidence in delivering a decisive victory. Leading up to the second fight, Allen, then 33, was determined to leave no doubt.
“I said no I don’t want the rematch. In the heat of the moment I looked at Johnny Fisher and that’s a young fella at 25 and I thought he does not need another fight like that cause his career will be very short.”
“I feel like a young kid again but this time I’ve got a brain, I firmly believe I win the fight. I will win the fight one million per cent. I will knock him out as well.”
The Controversial First Encounter
The first clash between Dave Allen and Johnny Fisher in Saudi Arabia was a dramatic affair. Fisher, known as “The Romford Bull,” entered the fight with an unblemished record of 13-0, with 11 of those wins coming by knockout. He had built a reputation for explosive power, securing the BBBofC Southern Area heavyweight championship and impressive first-round stoppages over Dmytro Bezus and Alen Babić earlier in 2024. Allen, a seasoned veteran with a record of 23-7-2, 18 KOs, was seen by many as a significant step up for the younger Fisher.
The fight itself was a back-and-forth battle. Fisher started aggressively, but Allen’s experience began to tell as the rounds progressed. In the fifth round, Allen landed a powerful left hook that sent Fisher to the canvas, marking the first knockdown of Fisher’s professional career. Despite being visibly shaken, Fisher recovered and managed to see out the round. The fight went the distance, and the judges’ scorecards sparked immediate controversy. While one judge scored it 96-93 for Allen, the other two scored it 95-94 in favor of Fisher, handing him a split-decision victory that was met with boos from the crowd. Many felt Allen had done enough to secure the win, making a rematch almost inevitable.
Allen Delivers Decisive Victory in London
The highly anticipated rematch took place on May 17, 2025, at the Copper Box Arena in London. This time, Dave Allen left no room for doubt. The fight mirrored the first in one crucial aspect: Allen once again dropped Fisher in the fifth round. However, unlike their initial encounter, Allen capitalized on the moment. He unleashed a barrage, and with seconds remaining in the round, a vicious left hook sent Fisher face-first to the canvas for a second time. As Fisher fell, his corner threw in the towel, prompting the referee to stop the contest at 3:00 of the fifth round, declaring Dave Allen the winner by technical knockout.
The victory was a monumental one for Allen, then 33 years old. He not only avenged his controversial loss but also captured his first professional title, the WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight championship. Speaking after the fight, Allen reflected on his preparation: “I put the extra weight on, took the risk, and I got this.” He added, “This means everything to me. I’ve been written off so many times but I knew I had ability.” Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn lauded Allen’s triumph, calling it “a real Cinderella story.” For Johnny Fisher, the TKO loss marked the first defeat of his professional career, bringing his record to 13-1.
Looking Ahead: Heavyweight Landscape Shifts
Following the definitive outcome of their rematch, both fighters embarked on different paths. Dave Allen, with his career reignited, continued to face significant challenges. His reign as WBA Inter-Continental champion was short-lived, as he lost the title to Arslanbek Makhmudov by unanimous decision on October 11, 2025. Allen then secured a quick first-round technical knockout victory against Karim Berredjem on February 21, 2026, before suffering another TKO loss to Filip Hrgovic in the third round on May 16, 2026. As of May 17, 2026, Allen’s professional record stands at 25 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws, with 20 knockouts.
For Johnny Fisher, the loss to Allen prompted a period of reflection and change. He subsequently switched trainers, moving to Tony Simms and a new camp in late 2025, signaling his determination to rebound from his first professional setback. Fisher successfully returned to the ring on December 6, 2025, securing a fourth-round knockout victory over Ivan Balaz in Monte Carlo. His current professional record is 14 wins, 1 loss, with 12 knockouts. The implications for the heavyweight division are clear: Allen proved his resilience and ability to compete at a high level, while Fisher’s journey now includes overcoming adversity, a crucial test for any promising contender.
Dave Allen Speaks On Team GB Regret
Beyond his professional exploits, Dave Allen has often spoken candidly about his career choices, including a significant regret from his amateur days. Allen had a brief but promising amateur career and was offered the chance to join the Team GB development squad, but he declined in favour of pursuing financial opportunities in the professional ranks.
“I got an offer for a place at the development squad but I was signing on at the time at the job centre because I had no money,” said Allen to First Round TV.
