Dave Allen

Dave Allen, affectionately known as “The White Rhino,” is a British professional heavyweight boxer born on March 21, 1992, in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, he has become a beloved figure in British boxing due to his candid personality. Allen began boxing at a young age, developing a passion for the sport that would define his career.

After turning professional in December 2012 with a victory over Rolandas Cesna, Allen quickly established himself as a durable and entertaining fighter. In July 2016, he faced Dillian Whyte for the vacant WBC International heavyweight title but lost by unanimous decision. Later that year, he stepped in on short notice to fight the formidable Luis Ortiz, succumbing to a seventh-round stoppage. In 2017, Allen contested the Commonwealth heavyweight title against Lenroy Thomas, losing via split decision. Their rematch in 2018 ended in a technical draw due to an early cut. A highlight of his career came in April 2019 when Allen delivered a stunning third-round knockout against former WBA regular titleholder Lucas Browne, significantly boosting his profile. However, a punishing defeat to David Price in July 2019 led to a brief retirement in 2020, during which Allen cited concerns about his health and a desire for a quieter life. He returned to the ring in 2021, securing victories over Dorian Darch and Samir Nebo.

In December 2024, Allen faced rising prospect Johnny Fisher on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk 2. Despite knocking Fisher down in the fifth round and delivering significant damage, Allen lost by a controversial split decision, sparking debate among fans and commentators who felt he had outperformed his opponent.

In his personal life, Dave Allen is known for his resilience, candid personality, and unfiltered approach to mental health and life in the sport. A proud Yorkshireman, Allen often speaks openly about his battles with depression, the pressures of boxing, and the toll the sport has taken on him both mentally and physically. His honesty has garnered deep respect from fans, many of whom connect with his vulnerability and working-class roots.

Allen has become a relatable figure who resonates far beyond the boxing ring. Away from the sport, he spends time coaching, mentoring young fighters, and using his platform to promote mental health awareness.

Dave Allen is a heavyweight boxer grounded in classic fundamentals, honed through experience and ring survival. His jab, while not the fastest, is functional and disruptive—used to find range, frustrate opponents, and create breathing room. It’s not about dominance; it’s about rhythm, providing a steady beat in his otherwise unhurried approach.

His footwork is deliberate and grounded, rarely flashy but always stable. Allen’s style resembles that of Darren Till—upright, poised, and stalking. He doesn’t bounce or dart; instead, he leans, rocks, and sways, moving in harmony with the pace of the fight. He often closes in on opponents, leaning into their space to sap their strength while making subtle reads. In close quarters or during clinches, he takes away his opponents’ room to breathe or throw punches freely.

His power and combinations are built on positioning and grit. Rather than throwing rapid bursts of punches, Allen chips away with calculated strikes from both hands, particularly effective against opponents who are either standing tall or fatigued. In close distance, he becomes dangerous with short hooks and compact uppercuts, trusting in his chin to absorb the incoming fire while returning damage with careful timing.