Dave Allen’s spirited efficiency wasn’t sufficient as he fell to a unanimous-decision defeat to Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Allen was seeking to proceed the momentum he had constructed along with his devastating knockout victory over Johnny Fisher in Could, however Makhmudov produced a dominant show on the Sheffield Area with the judges scoring the competition 115-111, 116-110 and 117-109 all in favour of the Russian, regardless of him having two factors deducted for holding.
Roared on by the house followers, Allen was bidding to place his identify within the image for potential future fights with the likes of Deontay Wilder and Moses Itauma, however Makhmudov’s energy was evident early on. He boxed nicely behind the his jab and his highly effective proper hand stored Allen trustworthy all evening.
Allen had his moments, having success with left hooks to the physique and the odd higher minimize, however he couldn’t maintain the assaults as Makhmudov quietened the followers contained in the Sheffield Area.
Earlier than the struggle there was plenty of discuss Makhmudov’s stamina however because the struggle went into the latter rounds, Allen was nonetheless unable to make a dent in Makhmudov, who continued to look sturdy proper to the ultimate bell as he cruised to victory.
Allen: I wasn’t adequate
It was a disappointing finish for Allen, who was chasing a career-best win, however he vowed to struggle on.
“The top and bottom of it is I’m not good enough,” he advised DAZN following his defeat.
“He was too big and too good. I’ve never been hit like that in my life. He hurt me five or six times and Jamie [Moore] wanted to pull me out with two rounds to go, but I was always going to see the final bell. I’m not a quitter.
“He is prime 20 on the earth and I am not. It is so simple as that. I simply wasn’t adequate.”
On his future, he added: “I am not completed. Perhaps a British title or attempt bridgerweight, however I am not completed.
“Nights like that, how can I leave it alone?”
Makhmudov calls out AJ
In the meantime, Makhmudov confirmed Allen loads of respect after the competition, describing him as a “lion” and calling his chin “crazy” earlier than calling for a contest towards one other Brit heavyweight.
He mentioned: “I respect Dave Allen. He has a crazy chin. I haven’t seen anything like this in my life. He is a lion.”
On his potential subsequent opponent, he added: “Anthony Joshua, where are you? I’m coming for you.
“I’ve already spoken with him and he gave me his phrase that he’ll struggle me subsequent yr. I am prepared.”
