“I was surprised,” Filip Hrgovic told BoxingScene about the moment he learned there was an offer on the table to fight Dave Allen. “I was looking for a different type of fight, but in the end this is what was on the table and it was a good offer. A multi-fight deal, so I accepted it.”
The pair will face off this Saturday in Doncaster, England, in a fight that has raised eyebrows ever since it was announced. After all, Allen is yet to register a win at world level, with his most notable victory coming against Johnny Fisher last May before he was outclassed by Arslanbek Makhmudov in October. Allen was a level below fringe contender Makhmudov that night, and Hrgovic - a level above Makhmudov - is widely considered one of the top 10 heavyweights.
“Yeah, I think it was a good fight. He had some moments, but I think he lost the majority of rounds,” said Hrgovic of Allen’s showing against Makhmudov. “It was good, it was an interesting, fun fight to watch. But I believe I'm faster than Makhmudov; faster legs, faster hands and it will be harder with me.”
So, how does Hrgovic rate his opponent?
“I think he's solid. He's not top level, but he's not bad. He's medium,” he said.
Many are concerned that Saturday’s bout, that pits one of the best active heavyweights against a fighter who is yet to win a domestic title, has been allowed to take place. Allen’s durability and chin has meant he has been able to compete with fighters far better than him, but it has come at a cost. In 2019 Allen was hospitalized after taking a beating from David Price.
Hrgovic raised concerns for Joe Joyce in 2025, prior to outpointing him, telling BoxingScene, “punches are not vitamins,” and that Joyce should consider his position in the sport. Hrgovic went on to defeat Joyce by unanimous decision.
“I don't know about [Allen’s] health, he looks good. I mean, with Joe Joyce you could see the consequences,” said Hrgovic. “You can see when he talks, but Dave Allen still looks healthy, looks good. I don't know. He must know what is important for him. Health is the most important.”
It also raises the question of what a win over Allen really does for Hrgovic who is pushing towards world titles.
“It's important for me to win, of course, to keep winning,” Hrgovic said. “It brings another fight, another good fight. Every fight is important.”
