Dave Allen aims for Tyson Fury showdown after facing Filip Hrgovic
Dave Allen steps into the ring against Filip Hrgovic today with his sights set on something even bigger – a shot at Tyson Fury, reports BritPanorama.
The Doncaster heavyweight has positioned himself as a potential opponent for Fury’s upcoming warm-up fight, leading to the former champion’s long-anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua later this year.
Allen has made clear his intentions. “If I beat Hrgovic, Tyson Fury is getting called out,” he told Sky Sports. “100 per cent.” His enthusiasm goes beyond merely winning, adding, “Even if I lose to Hrgovic but put a good fight up, I want the Fury fight.”
Facing Hrgovic presents a significant challenge; the Croatian is Allen’s fourth Olympic medalist opponent, underscoring the caliber of adversaries he has encountered throughout his career. This bout follows a tough 12-round defeat to Arslanbek Makhmudov in October, the same fighter Fury recently defeated upon his return to the ring.
Allen is under no illusions about the difficulty of this battle, acknowledging, “I’ll do what I can but it’s going to be hard work.” However, he expressed excitement rather than fear, stating, “I’m buzzing for it, I’m excited for it, I’m not under no pressure. All the pressure’s on Filip.”
He believes he may catch Hrgovic off guard, claiming, “I think Filip Hrgovic will get a real big surprise actually. I think he’ll be surprised by my speed and my ability.”
The heavyweight division is currently electric, a sentiment echoed by promoter Frank Warren, who remarked, “It’s so alight, it’s so electric, this heavyweight division. So many good fights to be made and they’re all vying to get into contention for the big fights.”
Should Hrgovic win decisively, rising star Moses Itauma might be next in line according to Warren, who plans to confirm a decision next week. Allen is realistic about expectations, quipping, “I’ve sold the tickets just so he can come over here and bang me out in a few rounds and call Itauma out – I know the script.”
Reflecting on last weekend’s heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, Allen admitted to being genuinely shaken. “I hope my fight’s not that good on Saturday. That was terrifying,” he said, describing it as “one of the best fights I’ve ever seen through five or six rounds.” He acknowledged Dubois’s formidable left hand, sharing insights from their sparring sessions, and noted the brutal nature of that contest.
Ultimately, for Allen, the fight with Hrgovic represents not just a challenge, but also an opportunity to rise in the ranks and perhaps face Fury. In a division bubbling with potential, the outcomes of these bouts promise to shape the landscape, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change for a heavyweight boxer.
