Dave Allen: The trailblazer for a showdown with heavyweight legend Deontay Wilder!

The heavyweight boxing scene is buzzing with speculation as Dave Allen, the resilient British heavyweight known as the Doncaster De La Hoya, hints at a potential blockbuster showdown with former world champion Deontay Wilder. This possibility has sparked excitement among fans and experts alike, intrigued by what a clash between these two powerful fighters could bring in 2025.

The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Dave Allen

Dave Allen’s boxing career has been a rollercoaster filled with highs, lows, and now, a promising resurgence. The 33-year-old fighter, who carries a professional record of 24 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws with 19 knockouts, is no stranger to adversity. Early on, he was seen as a heavyweight with genuine knockout power and the charisma to make waves in the sport. However, a series of setbacks—including tough losses and promotional issues—slowed his momentum.

Despite these challenges, Allen’s recent performances have reminded boxing fans and insiders of the talent and hunger that once made him a rising star. In 2024, he fought Johnny Fisher twice, the second bout ending in a spectacular knockout victory at the Copper Box Arena. This emphatic win served as a statement: Dave Allen is back and ready for bigger stages.

The Matchroom Deal: A New Chapter Begins

Following his triumph over Fisher, Allen signed a two-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing, a company led by the influential promoter Eddie Hearn. This contract marks a major turning point in Allen’s career, reuniting him with a top-tier promotion five years after their previous association.

The deal is not just a contract—it’s a platform that gives Allen access to higher-profile fights and better opportunities to climb the heavyweight ranks. His first fight under this deal is set for September 2025, expected to headline a show in Yorkshire. This bout will be crucial for Allen to build momentum and set the stage for even more significant matchups.

Setting His Sights on Chris Lovejoy

Before talking about Deontay Wilder, Allen has expressed interest in facing Chris Lovejoy, a promising heavyweight with an impressive record of 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 20 knockouts. Lovejoy is considered one of the rising prospects in the heavyweight division, and a fight between him and Allen could be an electrifying test for both men.

Such a fight would not only bolster Allen’s standing but also offer fans a preview of his readiness to compete at the elite level. It would give Allen a chance to prove that his recent success is no fluke and that he belongs in the conversation with top heavyweights.

The Deontay Wilder Factor: Dreamland in 2025?

The real buzz, however, comes from Allen’s public inquiry about a potential fight with Deontay Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion known as the Bronze Bomber. Wilder is a heavyweight who commands respect for his devastating knockout power and his reign at the top of the division from 2015 to 2020.

Although Wilder has faced recent struggles—he has lost four of his last five fights, including a shocking stoppage loss to Tyson Fury in 2020 and a recent defeat to Zhilei Zhang in Riyadh in June 2024—he remains a formidable figure. Wilder insists he is regaining his peak form and is set to return to the ring against Tyrell Anthony Herndon in July 2025, marking a fresh chapter in his storied career.

Allen’s text to Eddie Hearn about staging a fight with Wilder received a surprisingly positive reply.

“I text Eddie Hearn and said, ‘why don’t we get a few wins and then box Wilder?’” Allen said.

“Eddie replied saying ‘could happen, yeah’. Genuinely, for some reason, bizarrely in 2025, Dave Allen could box Deontay Wilder.”

The idea of this fight is what Allen calls “dreamland,” a dream scenario for any heavyweight fighter. Despite Wilder not being at his peak, Allen acknowledges the challenge and the prestige such a bout would bring.

“He’s not the fighter he was but it’s still crazy that it could even be an option. But those are the sorts of fights that would really get the best out of me. It’s dreamland really, but it’s definitely a fight I would love.”

Why This Fight Makes Sense for Both Fighters

For Dave Allen

A fight with Deontay Wilder would instantly propel Allen into the global boxing spotlight. Wilder is still a name with massive drawing power, and sharing the ring with a former world champion—especially one known for his highlight-reel knockouts—would provide Allen with an enormous platform to showcase his skills.

This fight would also allow Allen to test himself against one of the division’s most feared punchers, helping him prove that he is a legitimate contender. Given Allen’s knockout power and recent form, a win over Wilder could open doors to even bigger fights and title opportunities.

For Deontay Wilder

For Wilder, the fight represents an opportunity to regain relevance and rebuild his path back to the heavyweight title picture. After consecutive losses, Wilder needs credible wins to show he’s still a force in the division. A fight with Allen, who is coming off a career revival but is still seen as an underdog, could be the perfect opportunity to secure a win and build confidence.

Moreover, Wilder has spoken about wanting to prove he is “back to his old self” and ready to take on top contenders. A matchup with Allen would be a test of that claim and could re-energize his career.

The Heavyweight Landscape in 2025

The heavyweight division in 2025 is as exciting and unpredictable as ever. With Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua all jockeying for supremacy, the division remains stacked with talent and hungry fighters.

Deontay Wilder’s loss to Zhilei Zhang in Riyadh highlighted the rise of new contenders, while Allen’s recent performances and Matchroom deal suggest that he too wants a piece of this competitive pie.

A fight between Allen and Wilder could shake up the heavyweight rankings and add a compelling subplot to the division’s narrative. It also demonstrates how fighters are continually searching for the right bouts to maximize their careers and legacies.

What Allen’s Victory Over Fisher Means

Before any talk of Wilder, Allen had to prove he still belongs in the ring with the best. His two-fight series against Johnny Fisher was crucial in that regard. The first fight ended controversially, with many believing Allen deserved the decision, but it was the rematch that truly made a statement.

In the rematch, Allen secured a fifth-round knockout, showcasing power, precision, and improved technique. This victory not only revitalized his career but also earned him the Matchroom contract that could lead to bigger and better opportunities.

“When the contract came through for the Fisher rematch, if I beat Fisher, I had to sign a two-fight deal with Matchroom,” Allen said. “But in all honesty, that’s a great position to be in. The plan is to box in September and maybe defend the title I just won.”

This focus on building a title defense plan suggests Allen is not just looking for one-off fights but aiming to establish himself as a serious heavyweight contender.

The Role of Promoter Eddie Hearn

Eddie Hearn’s openness to the Allen-Wilder fight is significant. As one of boxing’s most influential promoters, Hearn has the connections, resources, and vision to make big fights happen. His willingness to entertain the idea means this matchup is far from just wishful thinking.

Hearn has a proven track record of putting together exciting and lucrative heavyweight bouts, and pairing Allen with Wilder fits his strategy of mixing established stars with hungry contenders.

What Fans Can Expect From This Potential Clash

If the fight happens, fans should expect an explosive, action-packed battle. Both Allen and Wilder are known for their punching power, meaning a single punch could change the course of the fight.

The stylistic matchup is intriguing: Allen’s technical boxing combined with power versus Wilder’s unrelenting knockout ability and reach advantage. It could produce moments of drama and excitement rare even in heavyweight boxing.

Challenges and Considerations

While the fight is exciting to imagine, there are hurdles to overcome:

• Timing: Allen must win his upcoming fights to justify a Wilder matchup.

• Wilder’s form: Although Wilder insists he is back to his best, his recent losses raise questions about his current level.

• Market dynamics: The fight needs to make financial sense for promoters, broadcasters, and fans.

However, with all these pieces aligned, the Allen-Wilder fight remains a tantalizing possibility for 2025.