Dave Allen to take on world-ranked opposition.
British fan-favourite Dave Allen (25-8-2, 20 KOs) has had the date, venue, and opponent for his next fight officially confirmed, and it is set to be the toughest test of his entire career.
“The White Rhino” (or “The Doncaster De La Hoya”, if you prefer) has seen an increase to his fanbase in the last year or so.
This started with his fight against rising prospect Johnny Fisher, who Allen was on the wrong side of a highly contentious decision against.
In the rematch, Allen would bomb Fisher out in five rounds, winning the first belt of his entire career. Allen would lose this belt by decision to Arslanbek Makhmudov.
But what was special about the Makhmudov fight is that despite not being a world-level talent, thousands of Yorkshire faithful showed up to cheer Allen on.
This was seen again, with plenty showing up for Allen’s next fight, a blowout over the overmatched Karim Berredjem.
It’s not often that a fighter has a following of people who stay loyal despite a number of losses, but that’s exactly the type of following Allen has.
Now the Doncaster man will square off against Croatia’s Filip ‘El Animal’ Hrgovic (19-1, 14 KOs), his toughest assignment by far.
Hrgovic was viewed as a boogeyman at heavyweight before a series of less-than-stellar performances that were nonetheless wins.
However, Hrgovic would be stopped by Daniel Dubois in 2024 to record the first defeat of his career. Since then, Hrgovic has defeated Joe Joyce and David Adeleye in a pair of entertaining fights.
Hrgovic will now face his fourth British opponent in a row and make his third appearance on English shores.
Allen vs. Hrgovic arguably represents the meeting of the two men with the best chins in the heavyweight division, so both will likely hang tough in a good big-man scrap.
The meeting between the rhino and the animal will take place in Dave Allen’s hometown of Doncaster at the Eco-Power Stadium.
The contest will take place on the 16th of May.
Goliath is coming for Dave đź‘€
Dave Allen’s biggest test to date will be in his HOMETOWN, when he takes on Filip Hrgovic on May 16 💥
Ticket info in comments 🎟️ ⬇️ #AllenHrgovic | May 16 | EcoPower Stadium, Doncaster | @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/kkK0nlmppc
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) March 27, 2026
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