Dave Allen Stopped In Hometown Heavyweight Fight By Filip Hrgovic
Filip Hrgovic spoiled Dave Allen’s homecoming by stopping the Doncaster-born heavyweight in just three rounds.
Allen was a huge underdog coming into the fight at Doncaster Rovers’ stadium, Eco-Power Stadium and was very quickly worked out by the 5th-ranked heavyweight, Hrgovic.
The Croatian immediately made his presence felt, using his heavy right hand to send sharp, straight punches down the pipe of Allen.
The hometown hero tried to respond with his own offence, but his trademark looping overhands failed to meet their target time and time again, allowing Hrgovic to quickly take control.
Allen looked to be in trouble soon after the second round began, with Hrgovic constantly having his opponent up against the ropes, continuing to land flush frequently.
Allen’s corner throw in the towel
Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis had no chance but to pull Allen out of the fight early into the third round due to the constant punishment their fighter was taking.
With little to no sign of a potential comeback or even Allen producing some of his own offence, the cornermen have received a lot of praise following the decision.
The stoppage ended an impressive performance from Hrgovic, with many now expecting the Croatian to take on Moses Itauma.
Allen accepts stoppage and praises Hrgovic
Despite his evident disappointment, Allen did not disagree with Moore’s and Travis’ call to pull him out of the fight and gave credit to Hrgovic.
“If Jamie and Nige say enough’s enough, enough’s enough,” he said. “Thank you for looking after me.”
“If Jamie and Nigel think it’s the right choice, it’s the right choice.”
“I just got absolutely hammered, and everyone stayed to the end,” he said. “No excuses, I tried my heart out. Filip Hrgovic, too good for me.”
“I’m a good fighter, but I’m not a great fighter,” he said. “But these people have given me the career of a world champion.”
“I’ve got a few more fights left in me.”
Undercard: Gomez Jr stops McGregor after unremitting pressure
On the undercard, Michael Gomez Jr produced a sustained and physical performance to stop Lee McGregor in the sixth round.
Gomez started aggressively and gradually broke McGregor down with pressure and work rate.
A knockdown in the fourth round swung the fight heavily in his favour, and as swelling and a cut worsened McGregor’s condition, his corner eventually stepped in to stop the contest.
O’Doherty continues rise with dominant title win
Elsewhere, Louie O’Doherty continued his unbeaten run with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Ahmed Hatim to add the Commonwealth title to his British lightweight belt, controlling the fight from start to finish.
