The Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England, is set to host a high-stakes heavyweight showdown as beloved British boxer Dave "The White Rhino" Allen meets the fearsome Russian knockout artist, Arslanbek "The Lion" Makhmudov. Headlining a Matchroom Boxing card on Saturday, October 11, 2025, this fight is an explosive crossroads bout with a potential world-level opportunity awaiting the winner.
The Tale of the Tape
Context: Career Crossroads and Momentum
Dave Allen: The Resurgent Cult Hero
For Dave Allen, this fight represents the ultimate payoff for his career resurgence. After a string of losses and struggles with fitness, "The White Rhino" (The Doncaster De La Hoya) appears to be in the best shape of his career under trainer Jamie Moore. His emphatic fifth-round TKO victory over Johnny Fisher in May 2025—avenging a controversial split-decision loss—proved that the 33-year-old still has the power and boxing intelligence to operate at a high level. A win over Makhmudov, a known world-level contender, would launch Allen into the mix for massive fights, potentially against names like Deontay Wilder, as promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested.
Arslanbek Makhmudov: The Dangerous Knockout Artist
Arslanbek Makhmudov is a physically imposing, -foot- behemoth with a terrifying knockout ratio. of his professional wins have come by stoppage, including first-round finishes. The Russian-born, Canadian-based fighter was once touted as a future champion but has hit turbulence, suffering two knockout losses in his last four fights (to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello). Makhmudov bounced back with a rapid first-round TKO in June and now needs a definitive, statement-making victory to regain momentum and silence the critics who question his durability and stamina beyond the early rounds.
Stylistic Breakdown: Durability vs. Devastation
This main event boils down to a classic power-versus-endurance contest, promising a definitive ending.
Makhmudov's Path to Victory (Early Rounds)
Makhmudov's game is simple: seek and destroy. He will rely on his huge size and one-punch knockout power to try and overwhelm Allen immediately. His immense strength is an equalizer, and he will look to land thundering right hands or devastating uppercuts that could end the fight at any moment. The key for Makhmudov is to finish it early before his tank empties.
Allen's Path to Victory (Mid-to-Late Rounds)
Allen’s strategy is built on his newfound conditioning, boxing brain, and world-class durability. Having previously shared the ring with elite punchers like Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz, Allen has proven he can absorb heavy shots and go into deep waters. The "White Rhino" must:
Survive the Early Blitz: Use smart head movement and lateral footwork to avoid Makhmudov’s huge bombs in the first few rounds.
Go to the Body: Makhmudov has shown vulnerability to body shots. Allen's own power, particularly a sharp left hook to the body (which finished Lucas Browne), will be critical for slowing the Russian down.
Outbox a Fatigued Opponent: If the fight enters the mid-to-late rounds, Allen’s superior boxing ability and pace management should allow him to take over against a tired, frustrated Makhmudov.
The Prediction
The betting odds are incredibly tight, reflecting the high-risk nature of the bout. Makhmudov possesses the power to end the fight in a flash, but Allen has the ring-smarts and chin to withstand the early onslaught.
The most probable outcome is a stoppage—the question is, for whom and when? Makhmudov's recent defeats suggest he fades when challenged past the fourth round. Allen, fighting in his beloved Sheffield, will have the crowd on his side and a massive motivation.
Prediction: Dave Allen via Mid-to-Late Round TKO. If Allen can navigate the treacherous first three rounds, his superior technique and Makhmudov's questionable late-fight stamina will turn the tide, culminating in a popular victory for the Doncaster man.
