Johnny Fisher was stopped by Dave Allen via a savage TKO defeat in their highly anticipated rematch.
The exciting bout at the Copper Box was developing well, with Fisher winning the initial four rounds. However, Allen delivered a brutal finish in the fifth round that left Fisher needing oxygen ringside.
On the undercard, George Liddard and Kieron Conway secured significant victories, setting up a potential future clash.
Stats Breakdown
CompuBox punch stats clearly reflect the fight`s narrative. The opening round was cautious, but Fisher showed greater volume and effectiveness in rounds two, three, and four. Round five proved decisive, with Dave Allen landing 21 power punches at 56.3% accuracy to secure the stoppage.
The Morning After
What a night of boxing it turned out to be. After delivering one of the best fights of 2024, Dave Allen and Johnny Fisher have now produced a knockout of the year contender. Fighting before a packed audience, Fisher started strongly and seemed clearly ahead in the initial four rounds. He utilized his jab effectively, mixing it with well-placed body shots and uppercuts that troubled Allen.
However, the experienced veteran, who had gained weight to absorb body blows, escalated his attack in round five. He landed a devastating combination that sent Fisher down, following up to secure an absolutely stunning knockout. A perfect left hook prompted Fisher`s corner to throw in the towel.
Reactions from the Boxing World
`One of the Good Guys`
Former British and Commonwealth champion Paul Smith commented on Allen`s character:
It`s hard not to like Dave Allen. I didn`t want to see him fighting [referring to his previous breaks] and would now like to see him challenge for a British title if possible. One of the genuinely good guys.
Curtis Woodhouse`s Take
Curtis Woodhouse also joined the many congratulating Dave Allen:
The Doncaster Del La Hoya! What a man! It`s impossible not to be happy for him, and what a finish! WOW! I hope Johnny Fisher is alright; that was a brutal knockout. It`s easy to forget how unforgiving heavyweight boxing can be.
Dave Coldwell: `Learn and Improve`
Boxing coach and analyst Dave Coldwell believes Johnny Fisher can recover despite the brutal knockout:
Johnny Fisher is still a young prospect at 26. This is a tough, brutal loss, and something he needs to learn and improve from. But we have seen fighters bounce back from defeats like this. So let`s support his comeback instead of criticizing the young man. Boxing is already a cold and lonely sport when you lose. He doesn`t need a barrage of negativity.
Coldwell had previously posted: “Absolutely sensational from Dave Allen! So composed, and a brutal finish. After a long, challenging career, I believe he has just earned his place among the heavyweight contenders.” He also stated he would not want to see a third fight between them.
Charlie Edwards: `Deserves His Moment`
Former flyweight world champion Charlie Edwards was among the many fight fans congratulating Dave Allen:
So happy for Dave Allen; he deserves this moment! Tough luck to Johnny Fisher; he is a true gentleman of the sport!
Full Undercard Results
It was a truly incredible night of boxing at the Copper Box. Besides the incredible main event knockout, there was plenty of drama on the undercard. Rising prospect George Liddard secured a fine TKO victory, as did Kieron Conway. These two could potentially face each other next for what would be a very exciting fight for the British middleweight title.
- Dave Allen beats Johnny Fisher – TKO
- George Liddard beats Aaron Sutton – TKO
- Kieron Conway beats Gerome Warburton – TKO
- Jimmy Sains beats Gideon Oneynani – UD
- John Hedges beats Nathan Quarless – UD
- Shannon Ryan beats Fara El Bousairi – PTS
- Taylor Bevan beats Juan Cruz Cacheiro – TKO
- Emmanuel Buttigieg beats Novak Radulovic – TKO
Fisher`s Latest Condition
There has been no further official update on Johnny Fisher`s condition or whether he required more medical checks beyond those in the ring. He was photographed in the dressing room post-fight with his father, Big John, and also seen talking with Dave Allen. Fisher was not cleared for post-fight media obligations, but it seems there were no serious immediate ill-effects from the significant knockout.
First Professional Title for Allen
Despite his lengthy and unpredictable career, tonight marked the first time Dave Allen claimed a professional title belt. The belt was the WBA Intercontinental title. Allen also expressed his desire to pursue the British title. There`s also speculation he could headline a stadium fight; hopefully, those at Doncaster Rovers were watching tonight.
Will They Meet Again?
While promoter Eddie Hearn mentioned a potential rematch clause, Allen stated he was not interested in a third fight. Allen, known as `The White Rhino`, commented:
I wouldn`t allow [a trilogy fight] to happen, because it’s not in his best interests.
More from Allen`s Interview
Here are more details from Allen`s in-ring interview:
I knew the first fight did me a lot of good. I put on some weight, I knew it would pay off, I took the risk. I’m the fattest, hardest man you’ll ever see. You know what it means? The belt, everything. For my kids, yeah – I’m gonna have an en suite, they’ll have their own bathroom between them. At this level, I’m a problem for people. He overexaggerated his movement, which worked against him. I’ve got experience, I know the game inside-out. I’m him, but with 30 more fights basically. He’s my friend. He’s a very good friend of mine.
Eddie Hearn on the Fight
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn commented:
If anyone was going to break your heart, you’d want it to be Dave Allen. It’s a real Cinderella story. It has changed his life again, this time in a significant way. He simply had too much experience in there. Regarding Johnny, the Board wouldn’t let him do an interview. He’s a brave man. Perhaps he shouldn’t have taken the rematch, but he wanted to correct the previous result. Johnny needs to come back and rebuild.
Hearn mentioned a rematch clause but suggested it would be something for `down the line` (a later date).
