Last night we watched the very British-style “Dave vs Goliath” boxing night on DAZN, promoted by Queensberry Promotion in Doncaster, United Kingdom. The location was no coincidence: it is in fact the hometown of Dave “White Rhino” Allen, who attempted to capture the WBA Continental Gold and IBF Intercontinental titles at stake in the main event against Filip “The Animal” Hrgovic. However, it was a bitter outcome for the home crowd, who saw the fight come to an end in the third round, with the Croatian fighter celebrating victory.
The fight recap
The bout started at a moderate pace, though not with a true feeling-out phase, because the punches began landing immediately. Allen repeatedly looked for the right overhand, while Hrgovic, very composed, controlled the center of the ring and worked behind both hands.
At the start of the second round, the Croatian began firing a persistent and venomous jab, making full use of his long reach. Allen waited for his opponent on the ropes to unleash uppercuts at close range, but “The Animal” never looked rattled for a single moment.
In the third round, Hrgovic increased his punch output, once again backing his opponent onto the ropes and unleashing heavy combinations. Allen appeared to absorb the giant’s pressure passively. The referee and Allen’s corner exchanged glances, and the fight was stopped when the towel was thrown in, signaling White Rhino’s withdrawal from the contest and Hrgovic’s victory.
In the post-fight interview, the hometown fighter admitted that he initially disagreed with his corner’s decision during the bout, as any courageous fighter would. However, he also pointed out that his team has always taken care of him, helped him secure major opportunities, and that he will always stand by their decisions, even the ones that are harder to understand.
On the other side of the ring, the winner roared into the microphones, declaring that he wants to fight anyone and feels ready for everybody, including British rising star Moses Itauma, who according to the latest rumors could become his next opponent in August.
Hrgovic has been hovering around the top level of the heavyweight division for years; soon we will find out whether he will remain an eternal underachiever or finally make the definitive leap in quality.