‘Snapped my Head Back’: Dave Allen Recalls Brutal Spar with Daniel Dubois

The heavyweight division continues to generate major interest, whether it’s for a world title or an interim belt. Dave Allen recently delivered a career-best performance to knock out Johnny Fisher in round five of their rematch to claim the WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight title. On July 19, Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk will collide for the undisputed heavyweight crown. Ahead of that historic fight, Allen spoke to talkSPORT and revealed just how powerful Dubois’ jab is.

Dave Allen Reflects on Daniel Dubois’ Power Jab

Allen Remembers Brutal Sparring Session with Young Dubois

Allen’s win over Fisher has catapulted the Doncaster fighter up the heavyweight rankings and towards bigger opportunities. The heavyweight division will again be the centre of attention on July 19, with Usyk vs Dubois headlining the event.

The power of Dubois has been heavily discussed, with his jab proving vital in controlling the fight against Anthony Joshua. Dave Allen recently shared just how powerful his jab is, recalling a memorable sparring session with Dubois.

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Dave Allen has sparred with some of the best heavyweight fighters, and when talking to talkSPORT, he recalled a sparring session he had with Daniel Dubois: “July 2016, I was sparring for the Dillian Whyte fight. I did four rounds with Joe Joyce. Four rounds with Frazer Clarke and Rob McCracken said we’ve got a young 18-year-old kid here – can he do the last two to make up ten (rounds)?

“So I thought sound, get him in. Daniel Dubois gets in the ring and straight away I look at him. I think bloody hell, that’s not your average 18-year-old. He hit me with a jab. I swear to god, he snapped my neck so far back I could see my ass. It were mad,” added Allen.

“I got through the next two rounds. I had to get through them. He was 18 years of age. I had to get through them.

“I’ve never been hit that hard by a jab before or after. He was just an absolute specimen,” said Allen.

The Future for Allen and Dubois

“He is going to be a dangerous man this time against (Oleksandr) Usyk.”

It remains to be seen what’s next for Allen, but his memorable recent win will help him secure a bigger fight.

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Daniel Dubois has gone from strength to strength since his 2023 loss to Usyk and will look to prove to the Ukrainian and the world he is a different fighter on July 19. His powerful jab will be a huge weapon for the Brit come fight night.