Filip Hrgovic Outclasses Dave Allen in Doncaster
It was always going to be a difficult night for Dave Allen against Filip Hrgovic. And so it proved.
The big Croatian heavyweight was far too much for Allen on a wet and cold Saturday night in Yorkshire. Not for the first time, the limitations at this level were highlighted. As the odds suggested, Allen was well out of his depth against a genuine top ten heavyweight contender.
It was a one-sided affair. The end came in the third round. An act of mercy by the Dave Allen corner. It was the only decision to be made. Allen was pinned against the ropes with his opponent unleashing punches on him. It was getting uncomfortable. Thankfully, Jamie Moore knew the fight was over for his fighter.
Hrgovic was dominating behind his jab, and that big right hand was landing throughout. Allen was incredibly brave, soaking up everything his opponent threw at him. But as they said on commentary, it was a bridge too far for a fighter who shouldn’t be fighting at this lofty level. In truth, Allen is a domestic-level fighter. There is no disgrace in that. But at world level, enough is enough.
Hrgovic (20-1) started fast, and he never allowed Allen a foothold in the fight. A few fleeting moments of success didn’t give way to any thoughts of an upset victory. From the opening seconds, there was only going to be one winner.
Allen (25-9-2) came into the fight in the shape of his career, but the 34-year-old admitted Hrgovic was too good for him. The Doncaster fighter will look for a few fights at domestic level. That is where he belongs. But personally, retirement would be a sensible call for a fighter who is too tough for his own good.
Hrgovic will move on, possibly towards a showdown with the unbeaten heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma. That is a far tougher challenge.
Photo Credit: Queensberry, Leigh Dawney
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