Dave Allen spars Oleksandr Usyk
Doncaster’s Dave Allen, AKA The White Rhino, has been invited to Ukraine as a sparring partner for former Cruiserweight king, Oleksandr Usyk. As the decorated Ukrainian continues his move up to heavyweight he is preparing for the long-anticipated clash with Britain’s Derek Chisora. Allen hasn’t boxed since his one-sided defeat to David Price last summer. That being said Dave Allen has posted a series of instagram photos and stories across lockdown showcasing an impressive physique and he has clearly been putting the yards in.
Unlikely choice?
It is fair to say Allen hasn’t always been at his best in the ring for a variety of reasons but on his day he is a tough customer who won’t back down and possesses his own equalizer. Similarly, he might not be world level but he has world level names on his CV in the likes of Luis Ortiz and Dillian Whyte. Furthermore, his come forward no-nonsense style draws many parallels with Usyk’s opponent in Chisora.
Great experience for Allen
Usyk is regarded as one of the current P4P top fighters in the world who has been around the block and he knows how to prepare dilligently in a camp. The fact he has chosen Dave Allen is surely a great honour for the Conisborough man. Likewise, Allen will garner invaluable world level experience from sparring with an elite fighter. In a series of instagram stories, the Doncaster De La Hoya has been documenting his experience in Ukraine and he seems to have enjoyed the experience. While seeing a bit of the country he has lived a primitive existence, one which he has admitted himself suits him.
Dave Allen’s next fight
All of this will be an invaluable experience for Allen and Usyk alike. Oleksandr will be able to go into the Chisora fight having sparred a tricky, heavy come forward fighter which will help him cope with the maurawding Chisora. Similarly, Allen who has fight news imminent will have world level sparring to add to a summer of fitness, strenght, and conditioning.
There was talk of Allen also potentially going to spar Povetkin as he prepares for the rematch with Dillian Whyte but that looks to be off the cards now with Dave Allen having his own date of the 31st October.
So, to anyone who doubts the abilities of Dave Allen, the likes of Oleksandr Usyk and Alexander Povetkin don’t deal in sub-par sparring partners and David Allen is no sparring partner.
