Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic proves to be a complete mismatch

Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic proves to be a complete mismatch

Likeable local lad Dave Allen (25-9-2, 20 KOs) was completely outclassed and overwhelmed by WBO #2 Filip Hrgovic (20-1, 15 KOs) in front of his loyal fans in Doncaster FC's stadium on Saturday, May 16, live on DAZN .

34-year-old Allen was a huge underdog going into the 10-round IBF Inter-Continental heavyweight championship contest, and it was evident why very early on as he was bombarded by the bigger man.

Compassionate coach, Jamie Moore, had the towel in hand during the third round and waved it to referee Steve Gray at 2:37 in the third round.

Allen was visibly upset by this action, wanting to give more of a go of it in front of his home crowd, but he was totally out of his depth against the Olympic bronze medallist.

Shots were ricocheting off of Allen's head from the very first minute of the stadium showdown. Hrgovic began with his jab but was soon bringing his big, accurate right hand into the mix from the second minute. Allen attempted to jab back, but his shorter reach meant he often fell short, but some of his zippy shots did get through. As it came to the last minute of the first round, Hrgovic was throwing huge hooks to the head whenever he had 'The White Rhino' backed to the ropes. Allen did graze the Croatian with a huge overhand right, but he ended the opener being pummelled on the ropes.

Hrgovic was just lining his shots up with ease in the second stanza. Allen couldn't trigger anything because of the volume of shots coming his way. The once-beaten heavyweight had the freedom and skill to pick his shots, mixing it up from body to head.

Hrgovic scored a sweeping right hook to the body midway, then heavy left and right hooks hit the head as Allen went down, but he was bundled over by the giant. Seconds prior to that, Allen fired back with an overhand right and left, both missing wildly. The Brit was soon backed to the ropes and used as target practice. Again, he swung with a wild left hand and only managed to swipe the air. Referee Steve Gray looked to Allen's corner and seemed to have some kind of dialogue with them, but the fight continued as Allen gulped in air. Then the moment came when Moore stepped up onto the apron with towel in hand and it was all over.

The 33-year-old 'Animal' from Zagreb now wants to step into the ring against Moses Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) in August at the O2 Arena. Promoter Frank Warren already confirmed he has signed to fight a top 10 world ranked contender.

Hrgovic said, "If Moses Itauma is hype, I'll definitely expose him, I don't believe he's the real deal until I see his heart."

Dave has said he has another four fights in him before he retires. He said post-fight, "Sometimes you get beat and just have to say, do you know what? I was second best. I'm so proud of myself, bringing all these people here. I'm so grateful."

Reactions

Anthony Fowler, Commonwealth Games gold medallist: "Disappointing fight but the Croatian is a serious fighter and showed his levels. Dave Allen needs to be fighting at British level, I'd love to see him fight for a British title."

Enzo Maccarinelli, WBO World cruiserweight champion: "Yes right call. Dave is better than most people give him credit for but this is not his level, was way out of his depth here which was apparent early.

"Jamie Moore knew that, seen Dave taking continuous heavy blows to head and body and protected his fighter."

Charlie Edwards, WBC World super-flyweight champion: "You know what Dave Allen deserves his props! He stepped in there with a legit world level heavyweight. This was a step too far in levels. I remember everyone saying he should have retired years ago when he was on the small hall circuits struggling to sell ticket and everyone was saying he should never box again to now headlining his home town.

"He’s a home town hero and deserves respect and to have the bottle to put it all on the line. He will forever be proud of his career when he grows old! Changed his life and earned a lot of money after being ripped off earlier in his career in some fights. Fair play Dave Allen, not your night, but you should be proud."

Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: "Prior to the fight I predicted that Allen would be stopped via his corner, but I thought it would be later in the fight because we all know just how tough and proud he is. However, I was spot on to say that Jamie Moore would be the one to pull him out, as we all know how compassionate he is.

"In hindsight, it's quite worrying that many of us knew that Allen would lose this fight, me personally predicting that he would take so much damage that his corner would be forced to withdraw him, which makes you think how on earth did this fight even get made? I believed Allen would give it a good go, but what actually transpired was a complete mismatch.

"He hasn;t been able to match anyone at world level, so I would like to see him drop down to domestic level and work his way towards a British title shot."