Heavyweight rivals Dave Allen and Filip Hrgović enjoy unlikely bromance
Dave Allen takes on Croatian opponent Filip Hrgović at the Eco-Power Stadium on Saturday
When two giant men whose trade is violence meet head-on, the last thing you expect is something of a love-in.
But South Yorkshire's Dave Allen and Croatian opponent Filip Hrgović seemed to get on like best mates at their pre-fight press conference.
Allen's opponents in the past have fallen under his charismatic spell, Arslanbek Makhmudov and Johnny Fisher both extending the hand of friendship as well as the raised fist.
But at Doncaster Rovers' ground today, the media pack heard Allen describe Hrgović as "my everything" - all that was needed was the 1997 Barry White song of the same name playing in the background.
Hrgović responded "I love you too!"
The visiting fighter, a huge favourite with the bookies for the Queensberry contest, had been asked about a rumour that he would share a ring with another Brit, Moses Itauma, if he wins on Saturday.
He said he would like to take on Itauma soon, as long as he gets past Allen without injuries. "I am definitely open to fight with anyone in the world" he added.
Allen, from Conisbrough, is desperate to please his home-town crowd as the headline attraction and is focused on the 6ft 6ins rival...and him alone.
"Filip Hrgović for me is the end-goal" he countered, adding he wasn't fussed about facing Itauma, himself.
"If I beat Filip Hrgović on Saturday I am not bothered what comes after - genuinely."
He said he might put his gloves in the ring centre after the final bell: "This is it for me, this is the big one."
He said Saturday was the culmination of 18 years boxing, starting off at Doncaster Plant ABC.
"Filip Hrgović - you are my everything, you are a wonderful man" he told the number five rated heavyweight.
"Thank you my love, I love you too" Filip replied.
Allen, who said he was in a jovial mood, wanted to keep the high spirits going in the traditional face off.
But Hrgović had now switched into business-only mode - and simply stared his man down.
It promises to be a night to remember for up to 10,000 South Yorkshire fight fans at the Eco-Power Stadium - where the pre-fight affection will quickly give way to business