Dave Allen Admits Filip Hrgovic Defeat Hit Him “Harder Than Most”

Allen says the stoppage loss left him emotional as he considers one final push toward the British heavyweight title

Dave Allen says the stoppage loss to Filip Hrgovic left him more emotionally drained than almost any defeat of his career. The British heavyweight now appears to be viewing the final years of his career as one last attempt to reach the domestic title level that has always escaped him.

Allen had his moment at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium against Hrgovic, but the fight quickly turned one-sided before Jamie Moore stopped it after three rounds. The loss left Allen visibly emotional afterward, and he admitted the defeat hit him harder than most.

“I am going to have a few days off now. I’m f*ing knackered, man. Sore as fk, actually. I am sore, and I am sad about it, actually, it is probably the most sad that I have been.

“I have had 36 fights now, I would like another four more. Another three and then maybe the last one, [I can fight for the] British, Commonwealth, it would be nice, but you have to earn that crack, and that will be hard because there are some very good heavyweights about it in Britain.

“It will be very, very hard to get a crack at it, never mind fight and win it, I am not delusional,” Allen said on his YouTube channel after the defeat to Hrgovic.

The 34-year-old has never fought for the British heavyweight title during his long career, though he twice came up short in Commonwealth title fights against Lenroy Thomas earlier in his career. Allen now appears to be aiming for one final run before retirement, even if he understands how difficult the road has become at heavyweight.

Richard Riakporhe currently holds the British heavyweight title, although there is a chance he could move beyond domestic level if bigger fights arrive. That could eventually leave the belt open later this year, but Allen still appears to understand he would need at least a couple of wins before getting anywhere near that position.

Share on Facebook

Post on X