Johnny Fisher was stopped by Dave Allen following a savage TKO defeat in their highly anticipated rematch.
The exciting fight at the Copper Box Arena was developing nicely, with Fisher having won the first four rounds. However, Allen delivered a brutal finish that left Fisher requiring oxygen.
`One of the good lads`
Former British and Commonwealth champion Paul Smith also commented on Dave Allen`s character, calling him a “top bloke.”
He shared on social media: “Hard not to like Dave Allen. I didn’t want to see him fighting and would now like to see him get a British title if he can. One of the good lads.”
Woodhouse Offers Praise
Curtis Woodhouse joined many others in congratulating Dave Allen on his victory.
He posted: “The Doncaster Del La Hoya! What a guy! It’s impossible to not be happy for him isn’t it and what a finish!!! WOW! Hope Johnny Fisher is OK, that was a terrible knockout, it’s easy to forget how brutal heavyweight boxing is.”
Full Fight Results
It was a truly incredible night of boxing action at the Copper Box.
Beyond the stunning main event knockout, the undercard also provided plenty of drama.
Rising prospect George Liddard secured a beautiful TKO victory, as did Kieron Conway.
These two fighters could potentially face each other next for the British middleweight title.
Undercard Results:
- Dave Allen def. Johnny Fisher – TKO
- George Liddard def. Aaron Sutton – TKO
- Kieron Conway def. Gerome Warburton – TKO
- Jimmy Sains def. Gideon Oneynani – UD
- John Hedges def. Nathan Quarless – UD
- Shannon Ryan def. Fara El Bousairi – PTS
- Taylor Bevan def. Juan Cruz Cacheiro – TKO
- Emmanuel Buttigieg def. Novak Radulovic – TKO
Update on Fisher
There has been no further official update on Johnny Fisher`s condition or if he required additional medical checks beyond those received immediately in the ring.
He was pictured in the dressing room after the fight with his father, Big John, and was also seen chatting with Dave Allen.
Fisher was not cleared for any post-fight media duties, but initial reports suggest he suffered no lasting ill-effects from the significant knockout.
`Learn and Improve`
Boxing coach and analyst Dave Coldwell believes Johnny Fisher can bounce back from this loss, despite the brutal nature of the knockout.
He wrote on social media: “Johnny Fisher is still a young prospect at 26. It’s a bad, brutal loss and something that he needs to learn and improve from. But we’ve seen fighters come back from losses like that before. So let’s get behind the comeback rather than rip the kid to shreds. Boxing is a cold & lonely enough sport when you lose. He doesn’t need a pile on.”
Coldwell had also commented earlier: “Absolutely sensational from Dave Allen! So composed, and a brutal finish. After a long hard career, I think he’s just got himself an invite to the heavyweight party.”
He also expressed his view that he did not want to see a trilogy fight between the two.
`Deserves His Moment`
Former flyweight world champion Charlie Edwards was among the many fans who congratulated Dave Allen on his truly incredible win.
Edwards stated: “So happy for Dave Allen he deserves his moment! Hard luck to Johnny Fisher he is a true gentleman of the game!”
First Career Title
Despite his long and eventful career in professional boxing, tonight`s victory marked the first time Dave Allen has claimed a title belt – the WBA Intercontinental belt.
Allen also expressed his desire to compete for the British title in the future.
His impressive performance might even warrant a stadium fight, potentially catching the attention of those at Doncaster Rovers.
Brutal Finish
The knockout was a display of brutal perfection from Dave Allen.
A video of the stunning finish was shared online.
Fight Report by Wally Downes Jr
SunSport`s boxing correspondent Wally Downes Jr provided his report on the fight.
DAVE ALLEN delivered a knockout of the year contender to brutally end his rivalry with Johnny Fisher.
The 33-year-old from Doncaster had faced a controversial decision loss against the 26-year-old from Romford in their first fight in December in Saudi Arabia.
However, this time Allen took the outcome out of the judges` hands at Stratford’s Copper Box, dropping Fisher in the fifth round with a brilliant left hook. The courageous history graduate required oxygen after the finish.
No Statement from Fisher
Johnny Fisher did not provide a statement after the fight, as the British Boxing Board of Control did not permit him to speak immediately following the knockout.
It is uncertain if he was taken to the hospital, but given the severity of the knockout, further medical checks were likely recommended.
Updates on his condition will be provided as they become available.
Will There Be a Trilogy?
While promoter Eddie Hearn mentioned a rematch clause in the contract, Dave Allen stated in his post-fight interview that he is not interested in a third fight against Fisher.
Allen, known as “The White Rhino,” said: “I wouldn’t allow [a trilogy fight] to happen, because it’s not in his best interests.”
Allen`s Post-Fight Comments
In his in-ring interview, Dave Allen shared his thoughts on the fight and what the win means to him:
I knew the first fight did me a world of good. I put a bit of weight on, I knew it would pay dividends, took the risk. I’m the fattest, hardest man you’ll ever see.
You know what it means? The belt, everything. My kids, yeah – I’m gonna have an en suite, they’ll have their own bathroom between them.
At this level, I’m a handful. He overexaggerated the 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.
Hearn Calls it a `Cinderella Story`
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn commented on Allen`s victory, describing it as a “real Cinderella story.”
He stated: “If anyone was gonna break your heart, you’d want it to be Dave Allen. It’s a real Cinderella story.”
Hearn added that Allen “Changed his life again, but this time in a big, big way. He just knew too much in there.”
Regarding Fisher`s condition and future, Hearn said: “Johnny, the board wouldn’t let him do an interview, he’s a brave man. Maybe he shouldn’t have taken the rematch, but he wanted to put the wrongs right. Johnny’s got to come back and rebuild.”
Hearn confirmed a rematch clause exists but suggested it would be for “down the line,” rather than immediately.
Allen: `This Means Everything`
Allen further emphasized the personal significance of the win, stating once more: “This means everything to me. I`ve been written off so many times.”
He proudly declared: “I am the fattest, hardest man you`ll ever see.”
Fisher Requires Medical Attention
Following the brutal knockout, medics quickly rushed into the ring to provide Johnny Fisher with oxygen. It was a worrying moment for the fighter.
However, he was soon back on his feet and was seen congratulating his opponent, Dave Allen.
Knockout in Pictures
