Dave Allen (23-7-2, 18 KO) faces Johnny Fisher (13-0, 11 KO) this Saturday at the Copper Box Arena in a highly anticipated rematch, following their controversial first bout in Saudi Arabia last December.
Fisher was awarded a split-decision victory despite being dropped in the fifth round, with many, including Allen himself, believing he 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’ now sees it as a new lease on his career and is fully confident he can deliver a decisive victory this time around.
“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.”
Dave Allen Speaks On Team GB Regret
Dave Allen had a brief but promising amateur career and was offered the chance to join 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.
“I got a letter from GB, and it was something like £4,000 a year, I was expecting £40,000 a year. Four grand a year for Thursday to Sunday I said f*ck that I’m turning pro.”
“I regret it now. I’m not saying I would have gone to the Olympics, it was Frazer Clarke and Joe Joyce and I would have been the third one. I wish I had give it a go.”
