Popular British heavyweight Dave Allen is on the hunt for a career-defining victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov in Sheffield this Saturday night.
More than 8,000 fans at Utilita Arena will cheer for Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs), a stalwart of the UK boxing scene, as he looks to defeat a fighter once considered a heavyweight prospect with immense promise.
Makhmudov (20-2, 19 KOs) recently participated in a heavyweight-heavy card in Riyadh but suffered a knockout defeat to Agit Kabayel within four rounds. This setback came as Kabayel has positioned himself as a top heavyweight.
Additionally, a loss via eighth-round stoppage to 2016 Italian Olympian Guido Vianello in August forced a reconsideration of Makhmudov’s status as a knockout artist in the division.
After Makhmudov’s fall from the Riyadh spotlight, Allen seized an unexpected opportunity to fight in Saudi Arabia on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury II undercard, challenging the undefeated Johnny Fisher. Allen knocked Fisher down in the fifth round and dominated the latter half of the match, though he ultimately lost by a controversial split decision.
In their rematch five months later, ‘The White Rhino’ emphatically won with a spectacular knockout in the fifth round. Now, he has a significant opportunity against Makhmudov, with the winner likely moving closer to major fights in the heavyweight division.
On the undercard, domestic rivalries will unfold, along with opportunities for rising talents to make their mark.
Undercard for Dave Allen vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov
Here’s a look at the fights scheduled for the Allen vs. Makhmudov card.
Josh Padley vs. Reece Bellotti
- Division/Weight: Super Featherweight
- Padley’s record: 16-1
- Bellotti’s record: 20-6
- Belts at stake: N/A
Padley, notable for a tough challenge against pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson, will face the seasoned Bellotti, who previously held Commonwealth and British titles but recently lost via TKO.
Junaid Bostan vs. Bilal Fawaz
- Division/Weight: Super Welterweight
- Bostan’s record: 10-0-1
- Fawaz’s record: 9-1-1
- Belts at stake: English Super Welterweight title
This bout is a rematch after their January draw; both fighters aim to claim the vacant English title at 154 pounds.
Hamza Uddin vs. Paul Roberts
- Division/Weight: Flyweight
- Uddin’s record: 5-0
- Roberts’ record: 7-6-2
- Belts at stake: N/A
The young Uddin, with a decorated amateur background, is looking to maintain his undefeated record against the experienced Roberts.
Fight Information
- Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Location: Utilita Arena — Sheffield
- Time: 5 p.m.
- Main event start time (approx.): 10 p.m.
- Live stream: DAZN
The Allen vs. Makhmudov fight will be available via DAZN, with subscription options starting at £9.99 monthly or £99.99 annually.
