Teddy Atlas has assessed the chances of Dave Allen pulling off an almighty upset against world-ranked heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic.
The pair will lock horns this evening at Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster, with fan-favourite Allen boasting a home advantage in what has been billed as ‘Dave vs Goliath’.
When considering in-ring advantages, however, it must be said that former world title challenger Hrgovic has his man outgunned in most departments.
The 33-year-old’s last outing saw him unanimously outpoint David Adeleye in August, albeit after a prickly 8th round where he appeared to be in some degree of trouble.
Nevertheless, he proved to be a level above the former British champion, who many would regard as a strong favourite to defeat Allen.
‘The White Rhino’ has drastically turned his career around since suffering a sixth-round stoppage defeat to Frazer Clarke in 2023.
This resurgence saw him lose a controversial split decision to Johnny Fisher the following year, before winning their rematch by fifth-round stoppage.
But still, there is no escaping the fact that Allen has always lost to tougher opponents, hence why he was handed a unanimous decision defeat against Arslanbek Makhmudov last October.
For this reason, legendary trainer Atlas has said on his YouTube channel that the 34-year-old can hardly hope for much more than a few competitive rounds with Hrgovic.
“I love Allen; he’s Rocky-esque. He keeps trying; he can punch; he’s tough as hell; he’s got a good chin; he comes in the front door all night long. He’s trying to back you down; he’s trying to trap you in the corner.
“He’ll have his moments, but he’s always come up short at the next level. It’s that simple. Hrgovic is just that next level of class, and I think [Allen] comes up short at that level.
“I think [Hrgovic will] look to keep the shorter Allen at the end of his jab and catch him coming in. He’ll look to do damage.”
Should Hrgovic come through unscathed, he may land another British headline slot against Moses Itauma in August, though a gruelling fight, or any cuts or injuries, would make that turnaround impossible.