Dave Allen looks to be in superb shape ahead of his showdown with Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Allen has not always put the most into his training camps. He is a famously laidback character who has had an up and down career, losing some fighters he should not have, and outperforming many people’s expectations in others.
He has always been happy to be thrown into the deep end from early on in his journey, such as when he shared the ring with the likes of Luis Ortiz and Dillian White several years ago.
Last time out however, he rematched Johnny Fisher after a controversial result in their first fight. ‘The White Rhino’ put on a fine display to stop the ‘Romford Bull,’ and it’s that win which has opened the door to the fight with Makhmudov next weekend in front of what will be a sold-out crowd in Sheffield.
In a new post on X, promoter Eddie Hearn has described Allen as “virtually unrecognisable” and fans have been keen to react to Allen’s trim physique.
10 days to go! Virtually unrecognisable and with 8,000 tickets sold, this really is a massive fight next Saturday for Dave Allen 🦏 The whole Country behind this man in what is a real life changer! @DAZNBoxing 🔥 #AllenMahkmudovpic.twitter.com/SBJEllKsTY
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) October 1, 2025
One fan posted ‘That look’s like a man on a mission.’ while another went with ‘Christ on a bike – I thought the white rhino was extinct. Come on Dave Lad.’ Finally one reacted with ‘Seems to be in the form of his career. Such a shame he didn’t dedicate himself earlier on, I’m sure he would of been a belt holder at world class level, LFG Dave.’
Allen has never won a major belt, but he has been told that a win against Makhmudov could open doors to more huge nights against the likes of Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua as he looks to continue his superb recent run of form.
Makhmudov has won 20 of his 22 fights, with his only losses coming against Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello, both by knockout.
