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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Fisher-Allen II: Who Will Take The Next Step Forward?

In December of last year undefeated rising Heavyweight contender Johnny Fisher was given an opportunity that represented a step up in his career. Not only was the unbeaten “Knockout Artist" given a position on a major card headlined by the World Heavyweight championship rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but the fight represented what was seen as a step up in competition for him in the form of longtime veteran Dave Allen.

For most of the early rounds, it appeared as though Fisher would pass this test with flying colors in picking up the World Boxing Association’s Intercontinental Heavyweight title, which while not a major milestone, carries with it the chance to move into the top ten rankings in a given division. As Fisher set a high pace and kept Allen mostly on the defensive, it had the appearance of a fight that was heading towards either a wide decision victory on the scorecards or potentially a late stoppage for a fighter in Fisher, who had knocked out eleven of his previous twelve opponents prior to this bout, then suddenly as tends to be the case in combat sports, just when it appears a fighter is dominating the action, a real test emerges.

In this case, it would come in the fifth round when Allen connected with a flush left hook to the jaw that sent Fisher down to the canvas for the first time in his career. Often, it is a situation that many look to when observing the rise of a rising prospect where they want to see how the fighter deals with adversity. Fisher got up from the knockdown and appeared legitimately hurt, but managed to gradually find his footing and begin returning offense. While the first four rounds saw Fisher build a decent lead for himself on the scorecards, from the point where the knockdown occurred through the remainder of the twelve round bout proved to be a grueling back and forth battle where Fisher was able to edge out a split decision victory.

Although some may have expected the outcome of a win for Fisher going into the fight, the perception of at least some coming out of it was either that Allen had done enough to win the fight or at minimum, the scoring was too close for comfort for a contender on the rise in Fisher. Ideal circumstances to warrant a rematch.

A rematch that will take place on Saturday, May 17th at the Copper Box Arena in London England, which can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN. This should be viewed as a good thing for the sport because in all truth and honesty with the reader, return bouts like this do not always happen. It can after all be common to see a prospect after surviving a close call like the one Fisher had against Allen, to see the fighter’s handlers move the fighter in a different direction, not so much due to fear of the opponent, but to give their fighter time to rethink and try to figure out what adjustments need to be made moving forward. 

As refreshing as it is to see a veteran like Dave Allen, who was regarded as little more than an opponent when he fought Fisher, being given another chance without much time in between fights, there is also a risk attached for Fisher. Despite coming out on the losing end in their first encounter, Allen should have all the confidence in the world going into this rematch. He not only dropped a fighter who has built a reputation early in his career for scoring quick knockouts, but the result of it being a close split decision against him should provide the necessary motivation to come into the ring even more determined.

The risk here for Fisher beyond giving his opponent another chance and the obvious risk of his unbeaten record is the potential for the wrong type of exposure. This observer is reminded of another Heavyweight that had a similar rise as Fisher in the professional ranks, who I covered on that rise several years ago. I am referring to David Price, the 2008 Olympian, who turned pro in 2009 and carved out a reputation as a “Knockout Artist" similar to the one that Fisher has established for himself. 

After knocking out thirteen of his first fifteen opponents, the decision was made to match Price with a recent world title challenger in the form of longtime top contender Tony Thompson in an obvious strategy to catapult him towards a potential world title shot. The strategy proved to be disastrous. When the two met in February 2013, Thompson's experience proved to be too much for Price. A right hand to the temple sent Price down in the second round and almost in an instant, Price went from a fast-rising contender looking like a potential World Heavyweight champion, to a question mark as he was stopped by Thompson.

In a questionable move given that the knockout he suffered seemed severe, Price made the decision to rematch with Thompson in his very next fight only five months later. Despite dropping Thompson in the second round of the rematch, the result was the same, this time Thompson stopped Price in five rounds. Two fights ended up exposing Price’s vulnerability in a case where it was too much too soon and he was never the same fighter after that retiring in 2019 with a 25-7, with 20 Knockouts record. Though Price would show a lot of heart in fights he lost, he was unable to fulfill the potential and star quality that he appeared to have that had this observer touting him as a potential world champion for a period of time.

Although there is no similarity between Johnny Fisher and David Price at this point beyond the label of “Knockout Artist" in similar rises to the point where Fisher finds himself at this stage in his career, the possibility of Dave Allen potentially being able to improve on his performance last December and take advantage of any perceived flaws is very real and should not be dismissed. How does Fisher improve on his performance and remove a potential question mark that some may have placed before him? 

When he was able to keep Allen at distance with his longer reach, Fisher was dominating the action where Allen could not get his punches off consistently and only had sporadic success in throwing wide, looping hooks. It was only when Allen was able to close that distance and get in close that the tempo of the combat began to change.Fisher was also caught and dropped while the fight was being fought in close because he left himself open for the left hook.

While it is easier said than done, Fisher needs to have a disciplined Boxing approach here. This means look to keep Allen at the end of his punches and mix his offense to the body as well as the head, a strategy that worked well for him in the early rounds of the first fight. The key here will be whether he will be able to maintain that approach, if he implements it, if he has success including possibly knocking Allen down. Fisher must not be overly aggressive even if he finds success and might have an opportunity to stop Allen. The possibility of leaving himself open while attempting to finish an opponent definitely exists here so he needs to proceed with caution should it get to that point because it has already been established that Allen does have the punching power to drop him. 

If Allen manages to close the distance, Fisher should hold on the inside and not give Allen an opening to potentially catch him as he was able to do in the first fight. If he has trouble keeping his hands up or bringing his hands back up after throwing punches on the inside, a problem some fighters have that can only be corrected in the gym, Fisher will need to tie him up on the inside and force the referee to separate them to re-establish distance. Often such an approach may not be the most entertaining to watch, but it is effective when executed properly.

For Dave Allen, a veteran of thirty-two professional fights, he needs to find a way to get inside of Fisher’s longer arms and force the fight on the inside. He must tighten his punches and try to avoid throwing wide looping punches, particularly with hooks. Allen must find a way to get inside and avoid taking the type of punishment he had taken in the early rounds when Fisher was able to keep him on the end of his punches and land to the body and head. Attempting to utilize a jab as he comes forward and using head and upper body movement to try and deflect or at least minimize Fisher’s punches could be an effective approach to get in close. 

For Fisher, who is currently rated number thirteen in the WBA Heavyweight ratings, should he win this fight, he could be in a position to try to break into the top ten later this year. If Allen can get the win some feel free deserved in the first fight, this time around, it will obviously put him into a similar position as Fisher currently finds himself in. A high stakes confrontation in the Heavyweight division. We will see who will be able to take the next step forward in their careers.

“And That's The Boxing Truth."

Fisher vs. Allen 2 takes place on Saturday, May 17th at Copper Box Arena in London, England. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 11:45 AM ET/8:45AM PT with Before the Bell, which will feature preliminary bouts, which will be followed by the main card that will begin at 2PM ET/11AM PT. (*U.S. Times Only.*)

(*Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*)

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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Galahad Stops Dickens In 11 In Rematch At Matchroom Fight Camp

 

Longtime contender Kid Galahad made the transition from contender to world champion by stopping a “Game” but overmatched James Dickens to win the IBF Featherweight world championship on Saturday night at Matchroom Headquarters in Brentwood, England. A rematch from 2013 when the two met for the British Jr. Featherweight championship, which was won by Galahad in ten rounds, the second encounter between the two would have a similar outcome.

 

From the outset, Galahad implemented a very tactical approach that had an emphasis on both being active with his offense, but also accurate with the punches he threw. Dickens suffered a cut over the left eye in the first round as a result of an accidental clash of heads. This in addition to not being able to nullify Galahad’s hand speed and movement continued to worsen as the fight progressed. 

 

By the middle rounds, the accumulation of punishment became more visible and it appeared as though the combinations that Galahad was able to land also may have resulted in Dickens suffering a broken nose as well. After eleven rounds of mostly one way punishment, Dickens’ corner stopped the fight at the conclusion of round eleven to prevent him from suffering further punishment. Kid Galahad advances to 28-1, with 17 Knockouts. James Dickens falls to 30-4, with 11 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated English Heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley scored a first round knockout of Nick Webb. Webb started the fight aggressively in trying to bring the fight to Wardley. In the midst of an exchange of punches, Wardley stunned Webb with a hook to the head. This oppened an opportunity for the champion to unleash a barrage of punches that sent Webb down into a corner of the ring and prompting a stoppage of the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 2:30 of round one. Fabio Wardley advances to 12-0, with 11 Knockouts. Nick Webb falls to 17-3, with 13 Knockouts.

 

In a Heavyweight slugfest unbeaten Alen Babic remained perfect by outlasting a “Game” Mark Bennett in scoring a fifth round stoppage. From the opening bell, both fighters were willing to stand and go toe to toe with just about every variation of offense one can think of. The near non-stop brawl continued with Babic gradually getting the better of the exchanges. By round five and fighting the effects of both exhaustion and an opponent that would not let him off the hook, Bennett barely managed to finish the round. Although he never was knocked down, the effects of the punishment, particularly the roundhouse hooks with both hands to the head became too much for Bennett’s corner to ignore and they stopped the fight at the conclusion of the fifth round to prevent him from further punishment. Alen Babic advances to 8-0, with 8 Knockouts. Mark Bennett falls to 7-2, with 1 Knockout.  

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Johnny Fisher scored a second round stoppage of Danny Whitaker. Fisher stunned Whitaker with a right hand to the head that sent him down on one knee. Fisher was sent down for a second time moments later with another right hand. Sensing his opponent could not recover, Fisher pressed forward following the second knockdown and a follow up barrage seemed as though it would send Whitaker down for a third time, but the bout was halted before that could happen. Official time of the stoppage was 1:08 of round two. Johnny Fisher advances to 3-0, with 3 Knockouts. Danny Whitaker falls to 4-4, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Women’s Bantamweight contender Ebanie Bridges scored a third round stoppage of Bec Connolly. Bridges was in control from the outset and while the early portion of the bout was uneventful, Bridges quickly changed that in round three connecting with a flush right uppercut to the head that sent Connolly down to the canvas. Connolly was able to get up from the knockdown, but a follow up overhand right from Bridges was enough to continue Referee Kieran McCann to stop the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 1:22 of round three. Ebanie Bridges advances to 6-1, with 3 Knockouts. Bec Connolly falls to 3-10, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Rising Jr. Lightweight prospect Aqib Fiaz began the evening with a hard fought eight round decision over Kevin Baldospino. A fight that was competitive throughout and saw several exchanges, Fiaz’ greater work rate particularly over the first four rounds was ultimately enough to secure a one point victory on the scorecard of the lone judge of the bout as all non-title fights held in the United Kingdom and Ireland that do not have an impact on regional or world rankings the Referee Kieran McCann, who scored the bout 77-76 in his favor Aqib Fiaz advances to 7-0, with 0 Knockouts. Kevin Baldospino falls to 9-6-2, with 1 Knockout.

 

Although the main story of the second week of Matchroom Boxing’s second season of its Fight Camp series will be Kid Galahad’s successfully becoming a world champion in what is becoming a rapidly crowded 126lb. Featherweight division, this card also saw the rising careers of three unbeaten Heavyweight prospects at similar stages in their development, which served as the bulk of this evening of Boxing, and the fact that all three prospects were able to score knockouts in their respective bouts should be an indication that the future is bright in regard to the British and European levels of the division and it might not be too long before we are talking about all three Fabio Wardley, Alen Babic, and Johnny Fisher as potential world contenders in due time.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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Matchroom Fight Camp 2021 Week 2 Weights

 The official weigh-in for Saturday’s second week of the 2021  Matchroom Fight Camp series took place earlier today in Brentwood, England at Matchroom Headquarters. Weights for the entire card, which can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN and will be headlined by a rematch between Kid Galahad and James Dickens for the vacant IBF Featherweight world championship are as follows.

 

Main Event: Vacant IBF Featherweight World Championship – 12Rds.

 

Kid Galahad 126lbs. vs. James Dickens 125 1/2lbs.

 

English Heavyweight Championship – 10Rds.

 

Fabio Wardley (Champion) 235 1/2lbs. vs. Nick Webb 256lbs.

 

 

Heavyweight – 8Rds.

 

Alen Babic 210lbs.vs. Mark Bennett 272 1/2lbs.

 

 

Heavyweight – 4Rds.

 

Johnny Fisher 239 1/2lbs. vs. Danny Whitaker 259 1/2lbs.

 

 

Women’s Bantamweight – 8Rds.

 

Ebanie Bridges 118 3/4lbs. vs. Bec Connolly 119lbs.

 

 

Jr. Lightweight – 8Rds.

 

Kevin Baldospino 131 1/2lbs. vs. Aqib Fiaz 131 3/4lbs.

 

Matchroom Fight Camp: Galahad vs. Dickens II takes place on Saturday, August 7^th at Matchroom Headquarters in Brentwood, England. The entire card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 1PM ET/10AM PT with an hour long Before The Bell preliminary show, which will feature a portion of preliminary bouts before the remainder of the card begins at 2PM ET/11AM PT (U.S, Times.) For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

*Card Subject To Change

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison