The Boxing Truth®: Allen Evens The Score With Fisher In Rematch

The premise leading into the rematch between undefeated Heavyweight contender Johnny Fisher and longtime veteran of the Heavyweight division Dave Allen was whether the unbeaten Fisher could validate his victory in the first encounter between the two men in December of last year in Saudi Arabia. In that fight, Fisher started out well, but it was Allen who was able to gradually rally as the fight progressed, forcing a fight in close quarters and seemed to wind up on the wrong end of a decision that some felt he had done enough to win.

What became a close fight set up the ideal scenario for a rematch, which took place on May 17th at the Copper Box Arena in London, England. For a period of time, this return bout seemed as though it would follow a similar pattern to that of the first fight. Allen gradually trying to walk Fisher down and get on the inside where the terms of combat would be more favorable for him, Fisher trying to keep him at distance with his longer arms where it was more to his advantage.

In a slight adjustment from the first fight, Fisher attempted to box behind his jab, move to try and evade Allen as he came forward, and if he was not able to move, try to tie him up and prevent him from getting his punches off on the inside, which Allen was able to do effectively in the first encounter. Despite applying consistent pressure as he had done the first time around, Allen had trouble early landing punches consistently, which is attributed to the tactical adjustments that Fisher appeared to make prior to this rematch.

Fisher appeared to momentarily stun Allen with a right hand to the body that sent him back against the ropes. While this sequence was only brief, it appeared that Fisher may have found a target to try and focus his offense as he was able to land a few more solid shots to the body before the round was over.

It would be late in round four, however, where Allen would subtly, but notably start to turn the tide in his favor when he connected with an overhand right that narrowly missed landing flush on the jaw of Fisher by mere inches. Allen would seize the opportunity in the fifth round.

The right hand that Allen barely missed landing perfectly in round four would land squarely late in round five. The right hand to the head would be followed by a left to the body, stunning the unbeaten Fisher. Although he briefly attempted to return the favor with punches of his own, Allen pressed forward and a few unanswered blows would send Flusher down to the canvas. Fisher showed his mettle getting up from the knockdown, but Allen, knowing his opponent was hurt, did not let him off the hook.

A barrage of unanswered blows put Fisher against the ropes before a left to the jaw sent him face down in the closing seconds of the round. As the bell rang to end the round, Fisher's corner threw their towel in across the ring to prevent their fighter from further punishment. Allen had not only succeeded in avenging his loss to Fisher, but in doing so, arguably scored the biggest win of his career and a potential Knockout of the Year candidate as well.

Fisher remained down on the canvas for several minutes and was administered oxygen before getting up and congratulating Allen on his victory. For Dave Allen, a veteran of thirty-three professional fights in a thirteen year pro career that has seen highs, lows, starts, and stops along the way, this victory over the previously unbeaten Johnny Fisher who was rapidly ascending up towards a top ten ranking in the Heavyweight division after scoring knockouts of eleven of his first thirteen opponents, this could be the beginning of a career resurgence for him.

While the end of this fight came quickly, the result was a brutal knockout and this observer feels, despite the fact that Fisher and Allen were rematched immediately following their close fight last December, it may be wise for Fisher and his handlers to resist the temptation for a third fight at least in the immediate future. It is important to keep in mind that though interest in a third fight will be high, Fisher was on the receiving end of a severe knockout and this in addition to it being the first loss of his professional career, it might be in his best interest to take some time to make sure he adequately recovers both physically and mentally and then try to ease back into things before seeking a third fight with this rivalry now even at 1-1 between himself and Allen. If Fisher comes back too soon and is pitted against Allen within a narrow timeframe as was the case between fights one and two, it may cause further damage to what to this point had been a steady rise up the Heavyweight ranks. The sensible approach? Take time, recover, regroup, and possibly take a step back in terms of level of opposition to test the waters before seeking a third fight with Allen.

“And That's The Boxing Truth."

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