Dave Allen vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov press conference quotes and fight prediction

Dave Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs) and Arslanbek Makhmudov (20-2, 19 KOs) will soon clash in a 12-round heavyweight contest.

Their bout headlines a Matchroom Boxing card at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN.

Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their October 11 clash. Below is some of what they had to say.

Dave Allen vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov press conference quotes

Dave Allen

“I walked in here today, it’s like the Dave Allen show,” said Allen. “It’s mad. This is my fourth headliner. Two in England, one in Paris. I’ve never been ‘the guy’ before, though. I’ve never been ‘the man.’ I feel like ‘the man.’ It’s a weird feeling. Got Joe Hayden, Joe Howarth on the card as well. It’s just one of the best weeks of my life, really. This is what I worked for…”

“I picked to box him. I did pick him. I had a list of five and it wasn’t a very nice list to be honest. So I just though ‘you know what? We’ll go for the biggest, scariest guy to get the best style.’ Arslanbek is a ferocious puncher. He’s strong. I don’t worry about strength. I don’t worry about power. Try and hit me properly. You’re going to struggle. He only knows one way. He only knows how to fight. Not saying he can’t box, but he won’t box. He’ll come and have a go with me…I like someone to have a go at me and finally we’ll see someone do that.”

Arslanbek Makhmudov

“Very happy to be here,” said Makhmudov. “First time in UK, very excited, thank you very much. This fight for me [is a] big opportunity first of all [in order] to open door for big names. Secondly, it’s a fight for my life. I come to win and do everything for that.”

“[Allen is a] nice guy, nice person, family guy similar like me. Nothing personal. Saturday night it’s just boxing. [Whose the] better boxer? [That] guy wins. That’s it. This sport [is a] festival. That’s why we come. [To] make money [to bring] food for our family. That’s [what] we do. That’s it.”

Fight prediction

Allen claimed at the press conference that he likes people “to have a go” at him. However, allowing Makhmudov to do that would be foolish. The Canada-based fighter is a legitimately hard puncher. Taking a hard right hand from Makhmudov will send a person to the canvas. Allen’s path to victory would be to box and move, but it seems unlikely that he would do that. The Brit may be able to take some shots, but will eventually be stopped. Expect Makhmudov to win this fight via stoppage within eight rounds.

Full press conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.