Overview
- Arslanbek Makhmudov beat Dave Allen by unanimous decision with scores of 115-111, 117-109 and 116-110 despite losing two points for repeated holding.
- The bout headlined at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena before a partisan crowd of roughly 9,000 in Allen’s first hometown main event.
- Allen said he will continue his career after resisting his corner’s offer to stop the fight late, noting he may pursue the British title.
- Pre-fight talk of a potential Deontay Wilder matchup for Allen cools with this result, while Makhmudov immediately called for bigger fights, including Anthony Joshua.
- The win secures the WBA Inter-Continental belt for Makhmudov, a regional title that typically improves rankings and leverage for marquee matchups.