What led Dave Allen to Filip Hrgovic? The unique logic behind a daunting test

TL;DR

Dave Allen, known as the 'White Rhino,' is set to face Filip Hrgovic in a significant heavyweight bout. This matchup follows Allen's rise as a cult hero in boxing, especially after his recent fights.

Key points

Dave Allen is known as the 'White Rhino' and 'Doncaster De La Hoya'.
He has gained cult hero status in boxing over the last two years.
Allen's upcoming fight is against Filip Hrgovic.
The fight is promoted by Eddie Hearn and follows Allen's previous match with Johnny Fisher.

Dave AllenFilip HrgovicJohnny Fisher

Over the years, Dave Allen has gone by two monikers. The “White Rhino” feels fitting; the species is sadly endangered, and boxers like Allen are a true rarity. But what of the “Doncaster De La Hoya”?

While it’s not an actual comparison between Allen and American icon Oscar, the intentional irony of the nickname does distill a British humour that has been key to the heavyweight’s emergence as a cult hero.

And that status has only been enhanced over the last two years. In 2024, when Allen was matched with his former sparring partner Johnny Fisher – who has his own fiercely-loyal fanbase – the intention was clear. Promoter Eddie Hearn was trying to give Fisher an appropriate test after the youngster had eviscerated Alen Babic. “Trying” is the operative word here, though.

Dave Allen (left) facing off with Filip Hrgovic ahead of their heavyweight bout on DAZN (Queensberry Promotions)

Although Fisher got the win, the match-up was seen as having backfired on the boxer and the Matchroom chief. Fisher was dropped and was arguably fortunate to get the nod on the judges’ scorecards. Yet Hearn pivoted shrewdly last spring, and the promotion of the rematch saw him position himself almost equally alongside both fighters.

And when Allen dropped Fisher twice in the rematch, forcing a stoppage this time, Hearn was quick to sign the 34-year-old.

Hearn did not abandon Fisher, to be clear, but he pushed Allen and capitalised on the veteran’s unique appeal with hardcore boxing fans.

It was not an entirely-new connection, though. “Eddie’s cool,” Allen told Pro Boxing Fans after signing with the 46-year-old’s company. “I rung him in 2022; I needed some advice about something not even boxing-related. I think I’d had two four-rounders in three years. I messaged him on Instagram and said: ‘Mate, I need you to ring me, please. I need some advice.’ And he rung within about 30 seconds, and that stuck with me.

Q&A

What is the significance of Dave Allen's nickname 'White Rhino'?

The nickname 'White Rhino' reflects Dave Allen's rarity in the boxing world, similar to the endangered species.

Who is Filip Hrgovic and why is he a challenging opponent for Dave Allen?

Filip Hrgovic is a notable heavyweight boxer, and facing him represents a daunting test for Dave Allen due to Hrgovic's skill and reputation.

How has Dave Allen's popularity changed in recent years?

Dave Allen's popularity has increased significantly, emerging as a cult hero in boxing over the last two years, particularly after key matchups.

What was the outcome of Dave Allen's previous fight against Johnny Fisher?

The fight against Johnny Fisher was intended to be a test for Fisher, following his impressive victory over Alen Babic, but the specific outcome is not detailed.