Dave Allen to fight Filip Hrgovic in EFL stadium for blockbuster clash as next fight announced

Dave Allen has been booked to face Filip Hrgovic at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium on May 16.

‘The White Rhino’ knocked out Frenchman Karim Berredjem in just 57 seconds in his last fight in Nottingham last month.

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Allen’s career was brought back to life in December 2024 when he suffered a controversial split decision defeat to Briton Johnny Fisher in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 34-year-old then claimed the WBA Intercontinental title in the rematch at London’s Copper Box Arena five months later, flattening Fisher with a nasty left hook in the fifth round.

This set up a fairytale homecoming last October in Sheffield against Arslanbek Makhmudov, who now fights Tyson Fury next month.

Allen was outclassed by the Russian giant over 12 rounds, but now has the chance to prove he belongs with the world’s best heavyweights when he returns to his birthplace for his toughest test yet in Hrgovic.

Frank Warren reacts to Allen vs Hrgovic

“May 16 will be a magical experience for Dave Allen,” promoter Frank Warren said.

“He is taking on a world-class operator in Filip Hrgovic, but he gets to do it on his own doorstep at Doncaster Rovers.

“This will be a huge occasion for the city of Doncaster and for the fans who have backed Dave throughout his career.

“Filip has got into a habit of beating British heavyweights, so this really is a ‘Dave vs Goliath’ battle.”

Allen vs Hrgovic is officially being billed as ‘Dave vs Goliath’ and will be broadcast live on DAZN.

“This is everything I’ve wanted,” Allen said.

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“A big fight, at home, in front of my own people. Nights like this don’t come around often, and I’m not letting it pass me by.

“I know how tough Hrgovic is, but I believe in myself and I’ll be ready to give Doncaster a night to remember.”

Hrgovic is ranked in the top seven at heavyweight by all major sanctioning bodies.

The 33-year-old from Croatia has suffered just one defeat in his 20-fight professional career.

He lost his undefeated record in 2024 to Daniel Dubois due to a horrific cut above his eye.

However, Hrgovic has since bounced back with back-to-back wins over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye.

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He recovered from another gruesome cut last time out against Adeleye to beat the London man in a bloody war.

Hrgovic once named Romania’s Mihai Nistor as the hardest hitter of his career in a fascinating conversation with talkSPORT.com.

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.