Dave Allen delivered a direct and somewhat awkward message to Johnny Fisher face-to-face, stating pointedly, “You can`t be any good, it`s just impossible.”
The two boxers are scheduled for a rematch this Saturday at the Copper Box Arena. This upcoming bout takes place six months after their previous encounter in Saudi Arabia, which ended in a controversial split-decision victory for Fisher.
In their initial fight, Allen managed to knock Fisher down in the fifth round and many observers felt he deserved the win.
The fighters recently came face-to-face for a tense interview ahead of their rematch.
When asked about Fisher`s boxing ability, Allen gave a blunt assessment: “I think you`re okay, to be honest.”
He continued, explaining his view: “I think we`re around British title level, around that mix. I say `okay` because we`re talking boxing.”
Allen differentiated between athleticism and boxing skill when describing Fisher: “You`re a great athlete, phenomenal athlete as you say, you played rugby, good, fast, strong, powerful, I would say great athlete, okay boxer.”
He contrasted this with his own skills: “I`m a good athlete, very good boxer, I would say. I`m not having a dig at you, you had 12 amateur fights and how many pro fights (13)?”
Allen doubled down on his assertion regarding Fisher`s limited experience: “You can`t be any good. It`s just impossible. And I`m not even digging, people will watch and say, `Look at him digging away.` I`m not. It`s impossible to be any good.”
Fisher, aged 26, responded to Allen`s comments by stating, “For me, a British title is a phenomenal achievement.”
Allen, aged 33, countered: “What I`m saying is, if you were to win a British title it wouldn`t be from your boxing ability it would be from being a good athlete and a good puncher.”
Later in the interview, Fisher discussed his approach to fights: “I`ve never made predictions in any of my fights whether it`s going to be a knockout or round one.”
He emphasized the need for readiness: “You have to be prepared for any eventuality, as you said. Boxing`s a tough game, you could hit me in round one, I could hit you in round one it`s all over and it`s lights out.”
