SHOCKING: If Chisora withdraws, will Joseph Parker face Dave Allen?

The boxing world was stirred recently when the WBO gave the green light for a potential third showdown between Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora, reigniting talk of an all-action trilogy. But Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has thrown cold water on the idea, suggesting he doesn’t think the bout will happen — and introducing a surprising new name into the mix: Dave Allen.

While Parker had seemed eager to share the ring with Chisora once again — calling him a “warrior who always brings it” — it now appears that a fight with British fan-favorite Dave Allen may be gaining traction behind the scenes.

“I don’t think that’ll happen [Parker vs. Chisora III],” Hearn said frankly. “Maybe [Allen could fight Parker].”

This shift is unexpected, and it’s already generating buzz — and debate — across the boxing community.

Joseph Parker’s Trilogy Hopes Meet Reality

Joseph Parker, now the WBO interim heavyweight champion, recently expressed a strong desire to complete a trilogy with Derek Chisora, having narrowly defeated him in their first bout and more convincingly in the rematch.

However, despite the WBO’s blessing, Eddie Hearn’s latest remarks suggest the match might not be as close as fans believed.

“Not really, no,” Hearn replied when asked if he wanted to see the trilogy. “It’s not something I see happening.”

This change of direction hints that Chisora’s age, declining performances, and war-torn ring history may have affected his viability as a top-tier opponent. At 40, Chisora’s career appears to be winding down, and Hearn may be looking toward fresher narratives and safer bets for Parker’s trajectory toward a full world title shot.

Parker’s Current Standing in the Heavyweight Division

As the WBO interim champion, Parker is just one step away from a shot at the full title. His recent resume is impressive. After suffering a brutal knockout at the hands of Joe Joyce, Parker rebounded with notable wins, including a shocking and dominant performance over Deontay Wilder, where he outboxed the American power puncher from bell to bell.

Parker’s discipline, improved footwork, and high-level ring IQ have placed him firmly back in title contention. But with the undisputed title picture still tied up in legal clauses and negotiations between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, Parker is caught in a holding pattern.

That’s where a stay-busy fight becomes crucial — but the question is: against whom?

Dave Allen: The Dark Horse Steps In

Dave “The White Rhino” Allen has become a surprise contender in this narrative. After returning to the ring with a brutal KO win over the previously unbeaten Johnny Fisher, Allen has teased a “massive fight” — even going so far as to suggest it’s “bigger than Deontay Wilder.”

It was initially seen as bravado. But now? It might have real teeth.

“He’s put himself in line for all these big fights where we’ve had probably three top-10 heavyweights discuss a fight with Dave Allen in the last 72 hours,” Hearn revealed.

Allen has long been seen as a cult hero in UK boxing. With a fanbase built on grit, humor, and self-awareness, he’s more than just a journeyman. He’s a story. And stories sell.

The Road Back: Dave Allen’s Redemption Arc

Allen’s journey through the sport has been turbulent. After suffering damaging losses to fighters like Luis Ortiz and David Price, he took a long break to focus on his mental health. His return has been cautious but effective, culminating in the recent KO win that made promoters and fans take notice.

What Allen lacks in finesse, he makes up for in determination. And the chance to face someone of Joseph Parker’s caliber would be the kind of career-defining moment most fighters dream of.

“It’s gonna be a tough decision for Dave,” Hearn said. “British title or a huge name? Either way, he’s earned the right to be in this conversation.”

Joseph Parker’s Fork in the Road

As the heavyweight title scene stalls — with Usyk, Fury, and mandatory obligations in limbo — Parker is left with limited options. He can:

• Wait and risk losing momentum

• Push for a Chisora trilogy that might lack value

• Or take a bold, entertaining fight like one against Dave Allen

Hearn’s tone suggests that Parker vs. Allen could be the perfect interim bout to keep the New Zealander active and visible while preserving his shot at the full WBO crown.

The British Title Temptation for Dave Allen

Originally, the plan was to match Allen against Jeamie TKV for the British heavyweight title. It was a sentimental and achievable route for the Doncaster native.

“That’s a route I like,” Hearn explained. “I’d love to see Dave Allen win the British heavyweight title in Sheffield.”

But Hearn admitted that a potential payday against a top-10 fighter like Parker might derail those domestic dreams — and fast.

“A fight with one of those [top 10] guys and making that kind of money — you can’t ignore.”

In boxing, loyalty to tradition often takes a back seat to opportunity. And Allen knows this could be his one big shot.

Fan Reactions: A Split Decision

Online, fans are divided. Some want the conclusion to the Parker vs. Chisora trilogy, citing the excitement and familiarity of their past two wars.

Others are more intrigued by the Allen matchup, seeing it as a fresh and unexpected clash between a polished, elite boxer and a gritty fan favorite with everything to gain.

The Parker-Allen narrative is appealing because of the contrast. It’s elite vs. everyman. Polished skill vs. raw resilience. Title ambition vs. comeback hunger.

Is Dave Allen Ready for Parker’s Level?

This is the biggest question of all.

Let’s be honest — Joseph Parker is still elite. He’s fast, technical, tough, and experienced at the world title level. His resume includes:

• Wins over Andy Ruiz Jr., Junior Fa, Zhilei Zhang

• A close decision loss to Dillian Whyte

• A dominant victory over Deontay Wilder

Allen, while beloved, would be stepping into a level he’s never truly conquered. But boxing history is filled with examples of underdogs defying the odds — and Allen, who wears his vulnerabilities openly, might be more dangerous than he seems.

Could Parker vs. Allen Happen in 2025?

It’s not official yet, but all signs point to this fight being on Matchroom’s radar. Parker wants to stay active. Allen wants a big-money, high-profile comeback. Hearn wants a sellable story.

If it happens, this fight could:

• Sell out an arena in the UK

• Draw huge streaming numbers

• Inject new energy into the heavyweight division

• Give Parker a platform to solidify his status while awaiting a title shot

It’s a business and narrative win for all parties.

A Promoter’s Dilemma: Legacy vs. Entertainment

Hearn finds himself with two viable routes:

• Give fans the closure of Parker vs. Chisora III

• Or offer something unexpected and high-risk with Parker vs. Allen

But the energy is clearly shifting toward the latter. Allen’s popularity, Parker’s desire to stay busy, and the interim title status are all nudging this matchup toward reality.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the Heavyweight Division

If Joseph Parker beats Allen convincingly, he strengthens his claim to the WBO mandatory spot and stays sharp in the ring.

If Allen pulls off the upset? The heavyweight division explodes with intrigue. Suddenly, a beloved UK fighter is back in the world title mix, throwing all predictions out the window.

The risk is real. The reward, enormous.

Final Thoughts: From Sideshow to Main Event

Eddie Hearn has made one thing clear: Parker vs. Chisora III probably won’t happen. That alone is a headline.

What’s replacing it might be even more exciting — a clash of styles, status, and ambition between a polished contender and a gritty underdog. A potential Joseph Parker vs. Dave Allen showdown would be the kind of unpredictable, heart-filled drama that boxing fans live for.

If it gets signed, expect fireworks — and a UK crowd roaring louder than ever. This isn’t just a Plan B. It might be the boldest move Parker could make in 2025.