Dave Allen returned to winning ways on Saturday night, going the full distance less than six weeks after his controversial stoppage loss to Filip Hrgovic.
The popular heavyweight out-pointed Ross McGuigan over four rounds in Rotherham, improving his record to 26-9-2.
Allen’s appearance came just 36 days after his defeat to Hrgovic in Doncaster, a fight that sparked debate when his corner threw in the towel after three rounds.
The quick return only added to that discussion, with Allen having previously pointed out that he has never been knocked down despite sharing the ring with some of boxing’s biggest punchers.
Against McGuigan, Allen was able to get valuable rounds under his belt and shake off the disappointment of the Hrgovic defeat without taking significant punishment.
McGuigan, from Peckham in London, had lost ten times in eighteen bouts before Allen made it eleven. The 40-year-old had been stopped by a debutant in his previous outing in May.
The four-round contest represented a low-key return for the “White Rhino” but one that keeps him active ahead of another scheduled appearance on July 25.
The outing also served as a reminder that Allen has no intention of staying inactive despite the setback, with another fight already on the calendar later this summer.
After the Hrgovic defeat, Saturday’s victory offered a chance to rebuild momentum and gain rounds before taking on his next challenge.
Allen’s next bout is expected to be another stepping stone before he pursues bigger opportunities later in the year.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
