Dave Allen secured a savage TKO victory over Johnny Fisher in their highly anticipated rematch. The fight at Copper Box Arena was competitive early on, with Fisher seemingly winning the first four rounds. However, Allen delivered a brutal finish in the fifth round that resulted in Fisher needing oxygen afterwards, marking the first loss of Fisher`s career.
On the undercard, George Liddard and Kieron Conway also earned significant TKO wins, potentially setting them up for a future middleweight title clash.
Full results
The event at Copper Box Arena featured several dramatic fights. In addition to the main event knockout, rising prospect George Liddard and Kieron Conway both achieved impressive TKO victories. There`s speculation that Liddard and Conway could face each other next for the British middleweight title.
- Dave Allen beats Johnny Fisher – TKO
- George Liddard beats Aaron Sutton – TKO
- Kieron Conway beats Gerome Warburton – TKO
- Jimmy Sains beats Gideon Oneynani – UD
- John Hedges beats Nathan Quarless – UD
- Shannon Ryan beats Fara El Bousairi – PTS
- Taylor Bevan beats Juan Cruz Cacheiro – TKO
- Emmanuel Buttigieg beats Novak Radulovic – TKO
Fisher`s latest condition
No official medical update on Johnny Fisher`s condition was available immediately after the fight, nor confirmation if further checks beyond those in the ring were needed. Photos showed Fisher in the dressing room talking with his father, Big John, and later with Dave Allen. Although he was not permitted to speak to the media, it seems he is recovering well from the knockout.
`Learn and improve`
Boxing analyst Dave Coldwell offered his perspective, suggesting Johnny Fisher can bounce back despite the brutal knockout, calling it a necessary learning experience for the young 26-year-old. Coldwell urged support for Fisher`s return, noting the difficulty of the sport after a loss and discouraging excessive criticism. He also praised Dave Allen`s performance, describing his finish as “sensational” and suggesting it positions Allen for significant future fights in the heavyweight division. Coldwell explicitly stated he does not wish to see a third fight between Fisher and Allen.
`Deserves his moment`
Former flyweight world champion Charlie Edwards was among many who congratulated Dave Allen on his impressive win. Edwards expressed happiness for Allen, stating he deserved the moment, and offered sympathy to Johnny Fisher, calling him a “true gentleman.”
First ever title
This victory marked a significant milestone for Dave Allen, who claimed his first professional title, the WBA Intercontinental belt, after a long and varied career. Allen also stated his ambition to pursue the British title and potentially secure a stadium fight, referencing his hometown club Doncaster Rovers.
Brutal Finish
The knockout finish was described as stunning and perfectly executed by Dave Allen.
Wally Downes Jr`s fight report analysis
SunSport`s Wally Downes Jr provided his analysis, calling Dave Allen`s knockout a “knockout of the year contender” that decisively ended the rivalry with Johnny Fisher. Downes Jr noted that Allen (33) felt he was unfairly judged in their first bout in Saudi Arabia. This time, at the Copper Box, Allen took the decision out of the judges` hands with a brilliant left hook in the fifth round, a blow that left Fisher (26) needing oxygen.
No statement from Fisher
Johnny Fisher was not available for comment after the fight, as per the British Boxing Board of Control`s directive. Due to the severity of the knockout, it was uncertain if he would require hospital evaluation, though it was suggested that thorough medical checks would be prudent. Updates on his condition would be provided when available.
Future meeting uncertain
Although promoter Eddie Hearn mentioned a rematch clause in the contract, Dave Allen indicated he is not interested in a third fight, stating it would not be in Johnny Fisher`s best interests.
Allen`s post-fight remarks
In his post-fight interview, Dave Allen reflected on the impact of the first fight, noting that gaining weight for the rematch paid off. He humorously described himself as the “fattest, hardest man.” Allen expressed the deep personal significance of winning the title for his children, mentioning providing them with better facilities at home. He felt his experience was key, stating Fisher`s excessive movement played into his hands. Allen also spoke warmly of Fisher, calling him a good friend despite their in-ring rivalry.
`Cinderella story` for Allen
Promoter Eddie Hearn described Dave Allen`s victory as a “Cinderella story,” highlighting its significant positive impact on Allen`s life and attributing the win to Allen`s superior experience. Hearn commented on Johnny Fisher`s inability to give a post-fight interview due to the boxing board`s rules, acknowledging Fisher`s bravery in taking the rematch despite potentially negative outcomes, noting Fisher`s desire to correct the perceived injustice of the first fight. Hearn added that Fisher will need time to recover and rebuild his career. While a rematch clause exists, Hearn suggested a third fight would be considered “down the line,” not immediately.
`Means everything`
Allen reiterated the importance of the win, stating it “means everything” to him, particularly after being doubted frequently throughout his career. He repeated his humorous self-description as the “fattest, hardest man.”
Fisher required oxygen
Immediately following the knockout, medical personnel entered the ring to attend to Johnny Fisher, who required oxygen, causing concern among viewers. Fortunately, Fisher was later able to get back on his feet and congratulate Dave Allen.
Allen`s satisfaction
Dave “The White Rhino” Allen expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that the experience from the first fight benefited him and that his decision to gain weight paid off against Fisher`s body shots. He humorously highlighted the personal reward of winning the title, stating his children could now have an en suite bathroom. Allen confidently declared himself a formidable opponent at this level.
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Oliver Croft