The identity of the mysterious top-five heavyweight opponent recently mentioned by Dave Allen and Eddie Hearn has now been confirmed as Joseph Parker.
Discussions are reportedly underway for Dave Allen (record: 24-7-2, 19 KOs) to face the former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker later this year. This potential matchup represents a significantly larger opportunity than Allen might have previously anticipated for his career.
Allen, known as the `White Rhino`, revitalized his boxing trajectory last month by delivering a stunning and decisive victory over Johnny Fisher, who was previously considered an unproven prospect.
His powerful fifth-round stoppage reversed a highly controversial split decision loss he suffered against Fisher in December, a fight where Allen had both floored and largely dominated his opponent despite the judges` verdict.
Now, Allen appears to be on the verge of securing a monumental showdown against Parker (record: 36-3, 24 KOs), widely regarded as one of the heavyweight division`s most established contenders.
The New Zealander is currently enjoying excellent form, having recently outpointed both Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. He followed these wins with an emphatic second-round finish against Martin Bakole in February.
Following his impressive performances, a potential bout between the WBO interim champion Parker and heavyweight veteran Derek Chisora was mooted. However, Dave Allen inserted himself into the conversation several weeks later.
For Allen, while a potential British title fight against Jeamie TKV remains a viable option – particularly after TKV`s contentious loss to David Adeleye last April – the prospect of facing Parker is significantly more appealing.
With David Adeleye scheduled to fight Filip Hrgovic in August, the vacant Lonsdale Belt (the British title) could become available, presenting an attractive prize for the fan-favorite Allen.
Nevertheless, a far more lucrative and high-profile fight against Joseph Parker would understandably command Allen`s primary focus.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Allen shared insights into the situation. “I got a call off [Hearn] saying, `I think we could do TKV for the British title`,” Allen recounted.
“That was looking like the most likely option at the time. But since then, we’ve been asked if we’re interested in boxing Joseph Parker. Obviously, I said yes, absolutely,” he added.
“I think he’s a fantastic fighter. As much as I’d like to win the British title – and I genuinely would like to – a fight with someone of Joseph Parker’s ability and name, for a proper title, would be life-changing and life-affirming for me.”
