Last night, Doncaster`s Dave Allen, known as `The White Rhino`, achieved the most significant victory of his career. He defeated the previously undefeated Johnny Fisher, `The Romford Bull`, via a fifth-round stoppage at the Copper Box Arena. The 33-year-old heavyweight claimed the WBA Inter-Continental belt, marking a remarkable turnaround for a fighter many had considered past his prime.
Just five months after their controversial draw, Allen and Fisher, who are friends outside the ring, put their bond aside for a physically demanding rematch. Allen`s punching power proved decisive, sending Fisher to the canvas and ending his perfect professional record. This win, Allen`s 34th professional contest, is his first major title and represents a deeply personal triumph after years of battling addiction and mental health issues.
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, a past sparring partner of Allen`s, lauded his resurgence. Writing on Instagram last night, Joshua commented:
Dave was suicidal, a gambling addict who everyone thought was finished a few years ago. Now he’s got a family, a few hundred thousand pounds, and his biggest win. BOXING.
Joshua, 35, is familiar with overcoming personal challenges himself. The two-time unified titleholder, who lost via fifth-round stoppage to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September, recently stated that elbow surgery will require six to eight weeks for recovery. He added: “Once I’m healed, I’ll be back doing what I do best: working on my double jabs, triple jabs, head movement, and footwork. We’ll stay active.”
