Exclusive: Dave Allen Seeks Redemption Against Johnny Fisher After Controversial Saudi Defeat

Dave Allen insists he has already won the most important prize in boxing, despite having never worn a recognised championship belt.

Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com, ahead of his bout against Johnny Fisher this Saturday, five months after their controversial meeting in Saudi Arabia, the Doncaster heavyweight refuted suggestions his career has been one of unfilled potential after twice trying and failing to secure the Commonwealth title.

Allen has faced some of the sport’s most famous names since taking part in his first professional bout nearly a decade-and-a-half ago, including Dillian Whyte, Luis Ortiz and Frazer Clarke. 

But translating talent into opportunities has proven difficult for the 33-year-old, who lost a controversial points decision to Fisher just before Christmas.

Nevertheless, with his popularity among fight fans soaring following that spirited performance against the Londoner, Allen said: “I could never have dreamt, when I first started out, that my career would go the way it has."

"I’m not the best fighter in the world but I’m respected in the game and lots of people seem to like me. The public always get behind me and, to be honest, I couldn’t ask or wish for anything more than that."

“That, knowing the backing I’ve got, is as good as anything out there. Genuinely, it means so much to me."

“The respect of the public and the respect of my peers - what more could I want than that? Seriously, that means everything to me. That is an achievement, already.”

CONTROVERSIAL DEFEAT

Most observers at ringside in Riyadh felt Allen was unfortunate to lose his first clash with Fisher, which was for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental crown. 

Two judges scored the contest, on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk versus Tyson Fury 2, narrowly in Fisher’s favour. The other returned a verdict of 96-93 for Allen.

A combination of Fisher’s ticket-selling power and the public outcry which followed persuaded promoter Eddie Hearn to arrange a re-match, with the Copper Box Arena expected to draw a capacity crowd for a bill which also sees Kieron Conway and Gerome Warburton battle for the British and Commonwealth straps.

“At the final bell over there, the result wasn’t the be all and end all for me,” said Allen, who has spoken publicly in the past about his battle against depression and other out-of-the-ring issues. 

“What was the be all and end all for me was putting in a performance. I did that and, honestly, the result was secondary."

“It would have been nice to win my first title. I’m not going to pretend it wouldn’t have. But my focus was showing what I can do and what I’m capable of. That was the be all and end all for me.”

Allen, who has once again been training in Manchester ahead of his rematch with Fisher, added: “If I win then it makes my family’s life better so of course that’s a massive motivation for me.

“Johnny is a nice guy. I don’t know him all that well but I’d definitely count him as a mate. That’s what boxing is all about - respect - but we both have our motivations and our business.”