Boxing insiders debate Dave Allen’s next move
Dave Allen is at a crossroads in his colourful career
Saturday's defeat for Dave Allen by Croatian Filip Hrgovic was as bruising to the 34-year-old's ego as it was his body.
So what now for the White Rhino?
Should he plough on, restrict himself to domestic fights or simply walk away?
We asked a panel of boxing experts in South Yorkshire about the Doncaster Rovers' stadium fight and his future.
There were some completely contrasting views.
DENNIS HOBSON
"I knew Dave was going to come unstuck, as he stepped up. He is just in it for the money, now.
"I turned him pro and then I relaunched him, but I always had a problem with him and that is why a couple of times I walked away.
"The last time, he walked away from me. I didn't want to be involved because he takes big shots when he is not 100 per cent fit.
"He never applied himself in a tough, tough game, especially at heavyweight.
"He has proved how tough he is, but he has so much ability he could have won something meaningful.
"I would rather him pack it in now because he has got a few quid.
"He is training and managing kids so he can pass his knowledge on to them. Thankfully he is safe and well, I think he should retire.
"I have always loved him as a fella and a personality and he could have been a superstar.
"Dave is playing with his health and his life. Being hit by a heavyweight is like being hit by a shire horse, and he has got kids now. In my eyes, I hope he retires so he can be safe and well for his family."
IZZY ASIF:
"Boxing is all about levels and Dave could possibly compete at British level. I am not sure if it’s the right move to carry on, it only takes one punch to have a negative effect on your life forever
"I would like to see Dave retire enjoy his well-earned money and enjoy family time.
"Dave is very fortunate, as due to his boxing knowledge and likeability, he will always have a position in boxing - either as a coach manager or boxing pundit. Or all three!"
JAMIE SHELDON:
"I wanted Dave to win that more than anything, it could have been a fairy-tale for him. But he was out of his depth.
"Dave is not going to change. He will do the same thing against every opponent.
"He will catch shots, try and hit them with a body shot, and throw a big looping right hand.
"When you step up in level they are wise to that. You could see it coming a mile off. He complained about being hit in the back of the head but if somebody is committed to a shot and you turn...that's your fault. He was up against a world-class operator and Dave needed to step it up - and he didn't.
"If I am totally honest it was only going to go one way. But I didn't think it was going to be as easy as that for Hrgovic. It was a one-sided beat-down - he was toying with him. It was sad to see.
"I'd like to see him have a crack at the British and get out."
ESHAM PICKERING:
"At the end of the boxing is about money, I congratulate him for a great career, selling out Doncaster, earning life-defining money and securing his family.
"He was out of his depth with that fight and I am glad his corner stopped it at the right time.
"I am confident he could win a British title. He is a very wily fighter. I believe he has got a couple of years in him. 34 is not old for a heavyweight. If he wanted to box again, why not?"
LIAM CAMERON:
"Truth be told, I think he’s done amazing in his boxing career.
"He’s taken fights he really shouldn’t have been in, but he’s got through them, and the fans love him — the whole boxing community is right behind him.
"Fair play to Dave for stepping up and taking all these big fights.
"It’s easy to criticise people when they lose, but every loss he’s had has come against great fighters, in my opinion.
"Dave has done so well. His bank balance will be sky‑high, and that’s what it’s all about really - securing his family’s future.
"Do I think he should retire? Not really. It depends on the fight. If he feels he can still get up and do the hard training camps, and people still want to back him, then why not?"
DAZ MEDCALF:
"It was a big gulf in ability between Dave and Filip; big credit to Dave for taking the fight. He is a proper character.
"I think if he's going to carry on he should drop down levels. I wouldn't like to see him get hurt. These guys at world level are way too good also credit to Jamie Moore for looking after Dave and throwing the towel in."
GLYN RHODES:
"I watched the fight there was always ever going to be one winner. I hope Dave got paid well.
"He’s a great character everyone loves him but if he’s going to continue fighting he needs to stay at domestic level maybe pursue the British title which is a very prestigious one.
"There’s always that chance of him getting hurt fighting good world class fighters."
AMER KHAN:
"Dave is a fantastic personality and character he really does light up a room when he’s there.
"On Saturday it was a level too far, the other fella was world class and an Olympian.
"Dave rolled the dice and made a few quid he didn’t take any hammer - Jamie Moore saved him to box for another day.
"Because of the good corner work from Jamie at British level he really does have a chance as I think the standard is good but not great.
"He’s got a great chance of winning a British title he also will be securing himself financially and for that reason I would have a crack at domestic level first before considering retirement."
BRENDAN WARBURTON:
"Hrgovic looked a level above. Credit Dave for daring to be great but I think it was the right call by Jamie Moore.
"I’m sure he’ll be back as there are still some domestic fights for him out there."
ANDY MARLOW:
"It was a step too far, by his management.
"It was brilliant for Doncaster and they paid him good money for that, I am sure.
"But a lesser opponent would still have sold that stadium out and he'd have had a chance of getting a victory there. He is a good guy and I wish him all the best. He needs a couple of domestic fights and get his confidence back, if he is in it for the long haul."
JAMIE KENNEDY:
Dave deserved the opportunity, purse-wise, venue-wise, there will be a lot shouting 'mismatch.' He knew it was going to be hard...it proved domestic level is where Dave should be. It's his job and he has a good team around him. He knew they would protect him and that is what a good team does. He was well beaten but his team saved him. He will go again - it's what boxers do - and should be super-proud of himself. Everyone loves Dave."
JASON CUNNINGHAM:
"Basically there are levels in boxing and Hrgovic was a level too far. It is what it is and fair play to Dave he never shied away from a challenge. He’s earned good money and depending on what he wants to do next if he still has more to give then maybe target an assault on the British title."
CHRIS SMEDLEY:
"Dave is a character in boxing who everyone loves but I felt for him on Saturday.
"His corner did the right thing.
"It wasn’t nice to see but he’s safe happy doing well on management and training so maybe it’s time to focus on that.
"He’s a good pundit too so TV will give him a job...all best what ever he chooses."
DYLAN TREVOR:
"It was good to see Dave give it a crack! Even if Hrgovic was too much - you never know without taking the shot.
"It was great to see him on the big stage with massive crowds behind him, you never know your limits until you’ve tried.
"He still has loads left if he wants the English and or British title."