

OFFICIAL – Frank Warren reveals Joseph Parker vs. Dave Allen in the next 5v5 match
The heavyweight boxing scene is heating up once again, and this time it’s the possible clash between Joseph Parker and Dave Allen making waves. What initially seemed like an unlikely matchup is now gaining momentum, with Frank Warren admitting the fight “makes sense” as part of the next Queensberry vs Matchroom 5v5 event.
For Allen, the possibility of sharing the ring with a former world champion like Parker is a dream comeback opportunity. Just a year ago, such a fight would have seemed improbable. But thanks to his recent resurgence, Allen’s name is being mentioned among some of the division’s top contenders.
Dave Allen: From Retirement Talks to Top Heavyweight Contender
At 33 years old, Dave Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs) has breathed new life into his career following two dramatic showdowns with Johnny Fisher.
The first came in December at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, where Allen lost a split decision in a fight that many observers believed he should have won. Determined not to leave his fate in the judges’ hands again, Allen rematched Fisher in May at London’s Copper Box Arena, where he delivered a clinical fifth-round stoppage, handing Fisher his first professional defeat.
The win didn’t just elevate Allen’s stock—it put him firmly back in heavyweight conversations. Promoter Eddie Hearn has already explored potential blockbuster matchups for his fighter, including an audacious approach to Shelly Finkel regarding a bout with Deontay Wilder.
But most intriguing is the talk of Allen facing a current top five heavyweight, and Parker—Queensberry’s leading heavyweight contender—fits that bill perfectly.
Joseph Parker: Stay Busy or Wait for a Title Shot?
For Joseph Parker, a bout with Allen could serve as the perfect interim test while he waits for his shot at heavyweight glory. Parker, who has a contract with Queensberry Promotions, is in line to fight the winner of the undisputed title bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, scheduled for July 19 at Wembley Stadium.
But Parker has fought only once in the past 16 months, a quick two-round demolition of Martin Bakole. Staying inactive while waiting for his title opportunity may not be ideal, especially considering the unpredictable nature of heavyweight boxing.
Frank Warren himself admitted the situation is ripe for a Parker-Allen fight, saying:
“Dave Allen is certainly a viable opponent for Parker. He’s just resurrected himself with that win over Fisher and the way that he did it. So we’ll see. A year ago it’s not something we would have looked at, but right now it could work.”
Queensberry vs Matchroom 5v5: Could Parker vs Allen Be the Headliner?
The 5v5 format made headlines when it debuted in Riyadh in June 2024, where Queensberry Promotions whitewashed Matchroom 10-0 in a night of brutal heavyweight action. Daniel Dubois and Zhilei Zhang stole the show, scoring stoppage victories over Filip Hrgovic and Deontay Wilder, respectively.
Parker did not participate in that original event, leaving fans to wonder what a second 5v5 battle could bring. Warren floated the idea that Parker vs Allen could fit perfectly into the rematch format:
“We have to sit down with DAZN to talk about what to do next. Maybe it could go on a 5v5.”
A second Queensberry vs Matchroom showdown is still in the discussion phase, but both Warren and Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn have expressed interest in making it happen.
Allen’s Rollercoaster Career Reaches a New High
Few fighters have had as unpredictable a career trajectory as Dave Allen. Nicknamed “The White Rhino,” Allen has fought some of the best heavyweights in Britain, often taking short-notice fights against top contenders.
He’s suffered tough defeats against Luis Ortiz, Dillian Whyte, and David Price, and even flirted with retirement multiple times due to concerns about his health and motivation. Yet somehow, Allen keeps finding his way back into big fights.
His recent performances against Johnny Fisher showed a more refined, determined version of Allen—one that no longer relies solely on toughness but also demonstrates tactical improvements and sharper conditioning.
Parker Looking to Keep Momentum Alive
Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion, remains one of the division’s most technically skilled and battle-tested fighters. With wins over Andy Ruiz Jr., Derek Chisora, and Junior Fa, Parker has consistently proven himself at the world level.
But his inactivity has been a concern. After losing to Joe Joyce in 2022, Parker took significant time off before returning with a short night’s work against Bakole. A fight against Allen wouldn’t only keep him active but also put him back in the spotlight ahead of his potential title shot.
Parker’s team could see Allen as a step down from world-title level, but Allen’s resurgence and loyal UK fanbase would make the matchup commercially viable—especially on a stage like a 5v5 card.
Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn: Rivals Plot the Sequel
The rivalry between Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn fuels much of the intrigue behind these cross-promotional events. Warren’s Queensberry outfit dominated the first 5v5 clash, embarrassing Hearn’s Matchroom team with a 10-0 clean sweep.
A second event could be a chance for Hearn’s fighters to redeem themselves—and what better way than sending Dave Allen to try and upset Queensberry’s top heavyweight?
While negotiations with DAZN, TNT Sports, and the fighters’ respective camps are still pending, both Warren and Hearn appear motivated to make the sequel happen before the end of 2025.
What’s at Stake for Parker and Allen?
For Parker, the risk is clear. A loss to Allen would derail his mandatory challenger status and put his world title ambitions in jeopardy. But a convincing win would silence any doubters about ring rust and sharpen him ahead of an undisputed title fight.
For Allen, this is the shot he’s been dreaming of. Beating a former world champion would elevate him from fringe contender to serious player in the heavyweight division. It could even put him in line for future world title eliminators.
Both men have much to gain—but even more to lose.
Fans React to the Rumored Matchup
Boxing fans have flooded social media with mixed reactions:
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Some are calling it a mismatch in Parker’s favor, citing his world-class experience and sharp boxing IQ.
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Others believe Allen’s toughness, recent form, and unorthodox style could pose serious problems for Parker, especially if the Kiwi underestimates him.
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A vocal portion of the UK fanbase is simply excited to see Allen back in a meaningful fight, calling him “the people’s champ” of British boxing.
The idea of the fight landing on a Queensberry vs Matchroom undercard has only amplified the hype, making this one of the most talked-about potential matchups of the summer.
What’s Next? All Eyes on the Negotiations
Frank Warren has made it clear: Parker vs Allen is a real possibility. Now it comes down to whether the two promotional camps—and the broadcast partners—can agree on the terms.
With the heavyweight division more chaotic than ever, keeping contenders like Parker active is essential. And for Allen, this is a golden ticket that may never come around again.
If it lands on a 5v5 supercard, it could steal the show.
Final Thoughts: A Clash of Styles, Stakes, and Stories
On paper, Joseph Parker vs Dave Allen is a fight between a world-class technician and a rugged brawler. But boxing is rarely just about paper matchups. It’s about momentum, hunger, and the intangibles that can’t be measured on a stat sheet.
Parker is the clear favorite, but Allen’s heart, durability, and newfound form make this a fight worth watching. If it lands on the 5v5 stage, it could be one of the heavyweight division’s most surprising and entertaining clashes of the year.
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