Dave Allen has sparred many of the best heavyweights in the world, including Oleksandr Usyk.
Allen is on a good run right now, having beaten Johnny Fisher by KO in his last fight after a controversial loss the first time around. Next time out, he takes another big step up when he takes on Arslanbek Makhmudov on October 11 in Sheffield.
However, he is no stranger to facing the best in the business, after previously taking on the likes of Luis Ortiz and Dillian Whyte, but also having sparred Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, Usyk and Tyson Fury.
Speaking to First Round TV, Allen was asked about the best he has ever faced and went with Fury, rather than undisputed heavyweight king Usyk.
“Tyson Fury I think. I still think that now [after their fights]. Yeah I’ve sparred Usyk, but I still think Fury’s the best. He’s that big you know.”
He then referenced the infamous incident in which he looked to have been knocked out on his feet during sparring with Usyk several years ago.
“Usyk chinned me, but I lost 18 lbs in two weeks. I was living off Bountys and Kit-Kats and crisps.”
Despite Allen’s beliefs, Usyk has twice beaten Fury. The first time was a split decision, and the second fight in December 2024 was a unanimous decision win, which sent Fury into retirement and meant the Ukrainian went on to win a rematch Dubois in July and became the first ever two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion in the four-belt era.
What he does next is up in the air, with an MMA fight with Jake Paul and a mandatory defence against Joseph Parker two possible options for the now 38-year-old generational great.
