Dave Allen didn’t get his fairytale ending in Sheffield, but he reminded everyone why he’s one of the most loved fighters in Britain. The Doncaster heavyweight went twelve grueling rounds with Montreal’s 6’7” powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs), losing a unanimous decision in front of 9,000 roaring fans at the Utilita Arena.
For two, maybe three rounds, it looked like something special was brewing. The crowd sensed it. Allen charged forward, swinging, fearless, reckless — proper throwback stuff. But once Makhmudov found his rhythm, it became clear why the Russian is being pushed as a future player in the heavyweight division. Even with two points deducted for holding, his power was the difference. Judges had it 115-111, 116-110, and 117-109 — all for Makhmudov.
“Anthony Joshua, I’m Coming for You”
After the fight, Makhmudov wasted no time calling his shot.
“Anthony Joshua, where are you? I’m coming for you,” he said in the ring. “I’ve already spoken with him and he gave me his word that he will fight me next year. I’m ready. I respect Dave Allen. He has a crazy chin. I haven’t seen anything like this in my life. He is a lion.”
And fair play to him — Allen earned every bit of that respect. He soaked up punishment most men wouldn’t survive.
“Nights Like That… How Can I Leave It Alone?”
Allen, still raw and emotional, spoke straight from the heart on DAZN afterward.
“Nights like that, how can I leave it alone? I nearly cried. I had to really choke it back a bit on the ramp. I’m not finished. He [Makhmudov] 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’s top 20 in the world and I’m not. It’s as simple as that. I just wasn’t good enough.”
That’s Dave Allen in a nutshell — brutally honest, humble, and still somehow smiling through the pain. Win or lose, the man delivers nights fans remember.
Sheffield Undercard Delivers All Action
The rest of the card had its share of drama.
- Bilal Fawaz edged Junaid Bostan by majority decision to win the vacant English Super Welterweight title.
- Josh Padley boxed smart and sharp, outclassing Reece Bellotti to take the WBA International Super Featherweight belt (scores: 99-92, 97-93, 97-93).
- Hamza Uddin lit up the arena, dropping Paul Roberts three times for a fifth-round TKO — grabbing both the WBA International and English Flyweight straps.
- Ibraheem Sulaimaan improved to 9-0 with a points win over James Chereji.
- Conner Tudsbury stopped Khalid Graidia in four.
- Allen’s own lads, Joe Hayden and Joe Howarth, both scored points wins on the prelims.
Everyone talks about the main fight but that undercard was wild too. That Hamza kid? Crazy power for flyweight. If you didn’t watch the whole card, you missed out on some real action. 🔥
Makhmudov held too much and still won? That don’t sit right with me. Taking points off should matter more. Allen kept it clean but still got punished. That ain’t fair judging. 😡
Right? Holding like that should’ve cost him big. Refs let big names get away with stuff all the time. Allen deserved better. It’s like the system’s rigged.
Makhmudov was gassed and started grabbing. If Allen had just a bit more in the tank, he could’ve turned it around. That holding ruined the fight for me.
Dave Allen should be proud even in loss. He gave fans something to cheer for. Not everyone needs a belt to be a legend. He fights with his heart and that’s rare now.
Yeah I feel that. Boxing needs more fighters like him. Not just undefeated records but ones who fight hard no matter what. He’s got more respect than most champs.
I think calling out Anthony Joshua is dumb. Makhmudov ain’t ready for that level yet. He beat Allen but AJ is a whole different beast. He’s gonna get knocked out if he tries that. 🥊
Exactly! People always jump too quick. AJ is way smarter and stronger than Allen. Makhmudov better fight some real top guys before he even says Joshua’s name again.
Them judges were too harsh with them scores. Allen landed some good shots and made it a real fight. Just ‘cause Makhmudov is hyped don’t mean he should win every round. That’s bias.
I think Makhmudov got lucky. If Allen was a bit faster and threw more punches early, things might’ve gone different. Judges don’t always see the fight like we do. The heart matters more.
No way he got lucky, man. Makhmudov hit hard and clean all night. Allen’s tough but toughness don’t win against power and skill. He got outboxed, plain and simple.
I agree with Freddie. Allen had moments. If he had better training or maybe a different coach, he could’ve taken Makhmudov into deeper water. It wasn’t all one-sided.
People keep saying Allen lost like that means he failed. But truth is, he stood in there with a giant and gave it all. That’s what boxing’s about, not just who wins on points. 😤
I don’t care what nobody says, Dave Allen showed more heart than most them top heavyweights ever could. He didn’t quit, even when he was gettin’ battered. That’s real fighting, not all that dancing around. 💪