Full Breakdown
Dave Allen vs. Filip Hrgovic: Heavyweight Showdown in Doncaster
5/16/2026, 1:54:39 AM
The Fight
On Saturday 16 May 2026, British heavyweight Dave Allen will face Croatian contender Filip Hrgovic at Doncaster’s Keepmoat (Eco-Power) Stadium. The ten-round bout will be streamed on DAZN before an estimated 10,000-person crowd.
Background
Allen, a 34-year-old popular British fighter, most recently stopped Johnny Fisher in a fifth-round knockout and recorded a 57-second KO of Karim Berredjem in February. Earlier in 2025 he lost a decision to Arslanbek Makhmudov after a 14-week camp that left him exhausted. Hrgovic, 33, is a former Olympic bronze medalist (2016) and 2015 European champion. After his first professional defeat to Daniel Dubois in June 2024, he rebounded with wins over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye, restoring his standing as a heavyweight contender.
Stats
Dave Allen: 25-8-2 (20 KO), age 34, weigh-in 248.8 lb (17 st 10 lb), his lightest in seven years.
Filip Hrgovic: 19-1 (14 KO), age 33, record includes a loss only to Dubois.
Both fighters are set to earn a substantial purse for the event.
Official Statements
Allen said he is not afraid of Hrgovic’s skill but worries about the pressure of performing before a home crowd of 10,000. He outlined a “pick-and-poke” plan, using his lighter frame to increase pace and force Hrgovic to work harder. He also highlighted a shortened six-to-seven-week camp and a significant weight cut. Hrgovic asserted he has “big power to knock him out,” while conceding Allen’s durability and “good chin.” He noted the fight could end by knockout or go to the scorecards, but insisted he will be the victor.
Opposition
Commentators from Bad Left Hook note that Allen’s résumé lacks wins over elite opposition and that his performances have generally declined when stepping up in class. They acknowledge his tricky style and solid chin but argue Hrgovic’s size, power and recent momentum make the matchup a steep challenge. Fan sentiment across sources remains skeptical of an Allen upset.
Quotes
- “I’m scared of losing in front of 10,000 people. Not ‘scared,’ but nobody wants weeks and weeks of shit on the internet about how shit I am, you know?” — Dave Allen, British heavyweight
- “I have big power to knock him out.” — Filip Hrgovic, Croatian heavyweight
- “I need that Lucas Browne left hook to the body. I’ll finish him.” — Dave Allen, on his knockout blueprint
- “I go into it with a bit of confidence, actually… More confidence than I’ve ever had before.” — Dave Allen, on his mindset
Future
If Allen loses, promoters have suggested a bout with Moses Itauma in August. A Hrgovic win could set up fights with Moses Itauma, Agit Kabayel, Fabio Wardley, or a rematch with Daniel Dubois. Allen has expressed interest in a future clash with Tyson Fury.
