HEAVYWEIGHT banger David Adeleye insists he is ready to let Dave Allen and Nathan Gorman feel his power.

Adeleye has shown he can pack a punch and knocked out his first five professional opponents in style.

The Notting Hill man is back in action on Saturday (April 24), live on BT Sport.

Adeleye, 24, has oozed potential in his string of wins and is happy to be pushed by promoter Frank Warren who is matching the former ABA Junior and Senior Novices champion well.

Allen is returning to boxing following a short retirement and Gorman is closing in on a second British title shot after suffering his only career defeat against Daniel Dubois.

Adeleye said: “Dave Allen and Nathan Gorman are fights I think I can take. I am confident in myself, I believe in myself and I can beat them.

“Dave would be a good contest for me. He has been in there with some great fighters.

“It would be a good fight and it is one I would take.

“Dave is talking only boxing four or six rounders so I could get to stage that I have gone passed him.

“Credit to Nathan. He is a good fighter and you can see that, but he is someone I believe I can take on.

“I don’t just ask for these fight to say it. If they got made there wouldn’t be a ‘no’ from me.

“My development has been perfect and I know there is no rush, but if it was down to me I would want these fights.”

Four of Adeleye’s wins have come inside two rounds, and usually durable Phil Williams was stopped in three.

“As fights get longer the opposition will be better. I will get more time to break opponents down and box instead of just trying to blast them out,” added Adeleye who studied at the University of Wolverhampton, where he graduated in 2018 with a degree in Business Management.

“There have been opponents who were meant to give me rounds, like Williams. He was tough and I had to do a few things different to get him out of there, but it came together.

“I am disciplined and an all year round fighter. I don’t train in seasons. I always stay ready. After each fight I have a week off and then I’m back in the gym, improving.

“Nothing comes easy. As long as I stay grounded and guided I know I can go all the way.”

He might be in a hurry to make his name in the boxing business, but trainer Frank Greaves ensures Adeleye remains focused.

Adeleye says: “It’s easy to get knocked off your high horse and why I always mention staying disciplined and grounded.

“It must be hard for fighters when they are suddenly earning big money and  having big fights. At the same time, it’s easy because if you want something you stay disciplined.

“I have good people around me who will keep me in check like my family and coach, Frank Greaves.

“I think Frank likes me saying these names. He doesn’t want be with a fighter who doesn’t believe in himself.

“He does the training and might say something on opponents because he knows where I am at, but doesn’t bother when I call someone out.”

Denzel Bentley (14-0-1) vs Felix Cash (13-0) for the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles headlines a bumper night of boxing, live on BT Sport on April 24.

 Also on the card, light heavyweight star Callum Johnson (18-1) marks his return to the ring with a battle against the experienced Emil Markic (32-2) for the WBO Global championship.

 Other Queensberry prospects besides Adeleye (5-0) on the show are George Davey (3-0), Henry Turner (4-0), James Heneghan (4-0) and Karol Itauma (1-0).

Dave Allen will fight Christopher Lovejoy on the undercard of the blockbuster Heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S.

Fan favourite Allen was due to make his ring return against Christian Hammer before the German was forced out after testing positive for COVID-19 now meets undefeated Christopher Lovejoy whose 100% KO record from his 19 professional bouts see him ranked in the top 15 with the WBA.

2019 held mixed fortunes for Allen, who has now linked up with trainer Jamie Moore, with ‘The White Rhino’ looking to end Lovejoy’s unbeaten run in style.

“I’m looking forward to this fight with Chris,” said Allen. “He’s positioned 15th with the WBA and I’d love to take that World ranking. He’s a big, strong man and just look at his record – He’s done what’s been asked of him in those 19 fights. There’s not much footage of him, so I don’t know really know what I’m preparing for which adds to the intrigue but I’m going in there to do a number on him.”

“I finally made it here to the U.K!” said Lovejoy. “I’m here to shock the world and show what Chris Lovejoy is really about. Dave will end up number 20 on my record. I’ve travelled a long way so I just hope he shows up!”

“This is fascinating,” added promoter Eddie Hearn. “Here we have this giant in Christopher Lovejoy that has amassed 19 wins with 19 KOs against limited opposition and has somehow found himself in the world top 15. The truth is, he might be an absolute beast or he may get found out but for Dave Allen it’s a huge opportunity. There will be plenty of eyeballs on this fight and if Dave can get the win he will force himself into the World rankings and land a major fight in 2021. I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen but I’m excited to find out!”

Allen vs. Lovejoy lands of huge night of action which sees former Undisputed Cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora meet in a thrilling Heavyweight clash, Lee Selby and George KambososJr square off in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title, Savannah Marshall and Hannah Rankin collide for the WBO Middleweight crown, Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy fights Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune for the European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin faces off with Carly Skelly for the Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

Fan favourite Dave Allen returns to action against Christian Hammer live on Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN, Saturday 31st October.

The 28 year old Conisbrough Heavyweight scored an early KO over Dorian Darch on his first outing of the year back in February, which followed a topsy-turvy 2019 with victory over Lucas Browne but defeat to David Price.

“I’m really happy to fight Christian Hammer,” said Allen. “He’s highly ranked and is a tough, strong man. A win here puts me back to fringe World level. He’s got a win over David Price so that would half put my defeat to bed.”

‘The White Rhino’ has been sparring Oleksandr Usyk in Kiev for the past two weeks and believes the experience will stand in him good stead as he links back up with trainer Jamie Moore for their first fight together.

“Sparring Usyk has taken me to another level. He’s one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. I’ve picked up so much from him and it’s given me the confidence that I will need to get through ten rounds with Hammer.”

“I am very much looking forward to this fight, I love to box in the UK. I fondly remember the victory over David Price,” said Hammer. “That is exactly where I will continue against Allen. Once I beat Allen the big fights will come my way. I appreciate this opportunity and I will not be defeated.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “This is a great fight for Dave, and absolute sink or swim time. Hammer has shown the highest of levels consistently and both fighters are looking at this opportunity as springboard to major fights. I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen or who is going to win, there’s only one way to find out!”

Allen vs Hammer joins Selby vs Kambosos Jr, McCarthy vs Laggoune and Timlin vs Skelly on the huge Usyk vs Chisora card, Saturday 31st October 2020.

Hughie Fury says he would be open to a behind closed doors domestic Heavyweight clash withMatchroom stablemate Dave Allen whilst his World Title hopes have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreakas he spoke with Chris Lloyd in the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s podcast ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.

Fury (24-3, 14 KOs) stopped the Czech Republic’s Pavel Sour in three rounds to rekindle his World Title ambitions last time out in March, but with international travel disrupted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Mancunian has set his targets closer to home.
THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH HUGHIE FURY IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
“Dave Allen keeps mentioning my name saying he wants to fight me and all this,” said Fury. “I’m a fighting man so let’s get it on as soon as possible. It doesn’t bother me. It’s only going to be fights against English opponents at the moment. It will be a good fight between the pair of us, there’s no point in waiting. I have no hard feelings against him but he’s mentioning my name so let’s get it on!”

The only defeats on Fury’s 27 fight slate came at World level – a majority 12 round decision in a close and controversial WBO World Title challenge to New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in 2017, a gallant and gory 12 round points loss to Kubrat Pulev in a IBF Final Eliminator in Sofia and a points loss to Alexander Povetkin last summer.

At 25, Fury believes that his best years are ahead of him and the cousin of WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson is confident that there’s still plenty of time left for career-defining fights once the sporting world gets back to normal. 

“I’m 25 and still filling out. One thing I love to do is fight and no one will ever take that away from me, I love these challenges. We have changed a lot although you never got to see too much in the Pavel Sour fight. When I get back in these bigger fights that is when you will see the difference and the changes we’ve made.”

As well as discussing a potential showdown with Allen, Fury disused his losses to Pulev and Povetkin and what he learnt from them, overcoming his struggle with acne conglobata and much more. 

Fans can find Fury’s episode plus previous episodes with Joshua Buatsi, Devin Haney, Joe Cordina, Joseph Parker, Josh Warrington, Daniel Jacobs, Liam Smith, Demetrius Andrade, John Ryder and more here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-matchroom-boxing-podcast/id1506174562

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YRAWQS5JXB0OvM8vCqZxq

Matchroom Website: https://www.matchroomboxing.com/lockdown-tapes-podcast/

Kell Brook will make his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring against Mark DeLuca at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on Saturday February 8 on a bumper bill featuring Kid Galahad taking on Claudio Marrero in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Featherweight crown, Terri Harper clashing with Eva Wahlstrom for the WBC Super-Featherweight World Title and the return of Heavyweight favourite Dave Allen, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former IBF Welterweight ruler Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) was last seen outpointing Australia’s Michael Zerafa over a year ago in his hometown and ‘The Special One’, now trained by Dominic Ingle, will be aiming to shake off the ring rust and fire his name back into the mix for a Word Title shot in 2020.

Standing in his way is the USA’s DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs), a southpaw hailing from Whitman in Massachusetts nicknamed ‘The Bazooka’ who is currently enjoying a three-fight winning streak, picking up the NABA Super-Welterweight title on the undercard of Andrade vs. Kautondokwa in October 2018.

“I’m so happy to be back and I can’t wait to put on a performance for my city on February 8 live on Sky Sports and DAZN,” said Brook. “I’ve had a year out, there has been some dark times but what I’ve realised is I love this sport and I know I have some of my biggest years left in the game. DeLuca is a strong, gutsy fighter who is always ready for war but I’m planning on putting on a statement and showing the world that I’m still a force at 154 or 147lbs.”

Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) fell short in a close and controversial battle with IBF Featherweight kingpin Josh Warrington at the First Direct Arena in Leeds earlier this year but the Sheffield contender has earned a golden opportunity to land another shot at the 126lbs World Title when he meets ‘The Matrix’.

Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) captured the interim WBA Featherweight World Title with a one round demolition of Carlos Zambrano in 2017 and the 30-year-old from the Dominican Republic is determined to shatter Galahad’s dreams and set up another attempt at gold for himself. 

“Every opponent at this level has to be respected and that’s what I’ll do,” said Galahad. “He’s a game kid in a life changing fight, similar to me. So it will be a tough night but I’ll prepare fully. 

“I am grateful to the IBF, Matchroom and my team for making sure they made a sensible decision to get me back into the Final Eliminator – something I think is deserved and most of the fans do too. 

“I’ve had many people believe I won the first fight with Warrington but what’s written in the record books is what counts. I’ll focus fully on Marrero now and then if and when we get through that  – I’ll look to right the wrongs of the first fight. Let’s hope Josh sticks around to take the rematch as many of his own fans and neutrals came out saying he didn’t do enough to have his arm raised the first night.”

Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) got off to a flying start under the Matchroom Boxing banner with a polished performance to outpoint tough Brazilian Viviane Obenauf in the first defence of her IBO Super-Featherweight World Title on her 23^rd birthday in November. 

That win set up a shot at the famous green and gold WBC Super-Featherweight World Title owned by Finland’s Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs), a veteran of women’s boxing who will be making the sixth defence of her title against rising star Harper.

“I’m really looking forward to be fighting back in Sheffield, this time as a Matchroom fighter and fighting for one of the most prestigious World Title belts in my opinion,” said Harper. “I know that there’s boxers out there who would give anything for this opportunity that I’ve been given, so we’re leaving no stone left unturned. 

“Being local and having the home crowd behind me on the night, the atmosphere is going to be electric – I know this is going to push me on to win the belt not only for me but for every single supporter.”

Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited ring return after taking some time out of boxing following his defeat to David Price at The O2 in London in July, and the ‘White Rhino’ now has his eyes set on securing a shot at the coveted Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt in 2020.

“It’s great to be back boxing and even better it’s at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield,” said Allen. “It’s an honour to be boxing alongside some of my friends and to see Kell Brook return to action. I’m coming back to win the British Title and that’s my aim for 2020, this is the start of that journey.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “We’re delighted to see Kell Brook back in action on Sky Sports in front of his hometown fans in Sheffield. Kell will be determined to prove he can still battle with the very best, including British rival Amir Khan, and we hope he can set up a blockbuster fight for later in the year.

“It’s an exciting early addition to our 2020 schedule, with Kid Galahad trying to force his way back into World Title contention, the excellent Terri Harper can become Britain’s latest World Champion, and Dave Allen always guarantees entertainment.”

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) go on sale at midday today (Friday December 20) and will be available to purchase from the FlyDSA Arena (www.flydsaarena.co.uk), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

On his fight prediciton:

“I’ll be very surprised if I don’t knock David Price out in three rounds. I’ll be very surprised. I don’t want to beat him after he’s gassed out in six rounds, I want to beat him early on when people will give me credit for it. I anticipate beating him in one round. I’ll be very surprised if I don’t win inside two or three rounds. I think I will add to my highlight reel of KOs.”

“People wrongly, in my opinion, slate him saying he’s no good and he’s this and that but he’s an Olympic Bronze medallist, a British and Commonwealth champion. I’ve never done anything like that. He’s achieved far more than me. Beating him would be a career highlight for me. It was then and it still is now.”

On form heading into the fight:

“I believe at this time in our careers he’s on the slide and I’m on my way up. I’m too fresh and dare I say it I’m going to show something new on July 20. I’m going to be too fast as well. David Price would have probably beat me in 2016 because I was only 24 and I was still a novice. I’m a grown man now and I’m coming into my own. It’s come at the right time for me and the wrong time for him. I think this will be his final fight.”

On his next opponent:

“When I beat David Price it will be 5 good wins in a row. Ideally I would like the Manuel Charr fight next for the WBA regular. People might ask me why I’d want to fight Povetkin but I fought Dillian Whyte after ten fights. After 23 or 24 fights now why wouldn’t I want to get in there with the world’s best fighters? I want the biggest fights possible. I’ve got to beat David Price first but Manuel Charr would be my first choice, Povetkin would be the second.”

On the magnitude of this fight and his relationship with Darren Barker:

“This is the biggest fight of my career. This is the one that could really set me up for the rest of my career and life. Me and Darren have been grafting away behind closed doors. I’m always on social media because I’ve got too much time on my hands, but I’ve made a conscious effort to dedicate everything to this fight. I’ve been pretty boring for the past ten weeks but I think it will pay off.”

“Darren has been there and done it and he’s been where I am. He knows what I’m doing. There’s nothing that I’m feeling that he hasn’t felt before so it makes it easier for me to go to him with these things but knowing that he’s done it all as well.”

Dave Allen will face David Price in a huge domestic Heavyweight showdown on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s clash with unbeaten rival Oscar Rivas at The O2 in London on July 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Allen (17-4-2, 14KOs) stopped former WBA World Champion Lucas Browne in three rounds at the Greenwich venue last weekend, flooring the Australian with a crunching body shot to claim a stunning victory in his first ever main event fight.

‘White Rhino’ has taken his career to new heights after four straight stoppage wins and the hugely-popular Doncaster man believes that another win over Liverpudlian Price could earn him a shot at one of the top ten Heavyweights in the World.

Price (24-6, 19KOs) returned to winning ways with a TKO victory over Hatfield’s Tom Little last December and then recorded a win over Kash Ali at The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool after being bit twice during a controversial fight that ended in Ali’s disqualification.

The former British and Commonwealth Champion is determined to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank and is all too aware that nothing less than a win on July 20 will suffice as he looks to throw his name into the Heavyweight World mix once more.

“This is the fight that I’ve wanted for years,” said Allen. “I wanted it three years ago but it probably wasn’t the right fight for me at the time. Now it’s the right time for me and it’s the biggest domestic fight out there. There may be other fighters out there that are better than us but I think me and Pricey have two of the biggest fanbases in the UK.

“We’re both really exciting fighters and we can both punch, either of us could end it with one shot. It’s a great fight and one that I’m really excited to be involved in. This won’t go past four rounds. I’m going to try and outbox him and I’m going to try and take him out with one shot as early as possible. I want to beat him in the first two or three rounds while he’s still fresh and at his best. His game plan will be to try and knock me out within the first few rounds so the fans will love it.

“A win over Price would put me one fight away from a World title shot. It puts me in the shop window for the Joseph Parkers and Alexander Povetkins of this World. On the back of three victories then Lucas Browne and David Price I believe that I’m ready for a top ten Heavyweight and that for me is a final eliminator for a World title fight.”

“It’s a great fight and it’s come at a good time for the both of us,” said Price. “It’s a fight that will capture a lot of people’s interest. Dave Allen has got a good following and I’ve got a good following myself. It’s going to be an interesting night that’s for sure.

“Dave is a durable fighter and he’s on a good winning streak. His last fight was a great win so he’ll be coming into this one with his tail up but I’ve won my last two fights as well. It’s going to be explosive. It’s two big punchers and it might be a matter of who lands first.

“Dave is known for his toughness so it won’t be a good idea for me to go out there and try to land a big one early. It’s about me trying to use my attributes to my advantage. It’s two completely different types of fighters and two different sized men. I’m a lot bigger than Dave Allen, that can be a good thing or a bad thing.

“It’s a massive fight. I think me and Dave Allen have been slated to fight a couple of times in the past and it hasn’t happened for whatever reason but this time there’s big upsides for the winner. There’s a hell of a lot on the line which makes for an intriguing fight.”

“This is a big domestic clash and a complete 50-50 Heavyweight match up,” said Eddie Hearn. “Dave Allen’s story has touched sports fans all over the country and he returns to The O2 after his epic KO of Lucas Browne. We all know David Price inside out – a huge puncher but also vulnerable at times, he is coming off two solid wins and wants another major Worldwide name in the division. I have no idea who will get the job done but I cannot wait to see it unfold on a huge night at The O2. Don’t blink!”

Tickets for Whyte vs. Rivas are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300, £500 and £800 VIP.

General Sale tickets are available to purchase NOW from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Dave Allen stopped former world champion Lucas Browne with one left to the body in their scheduled 12-round heavyweight bout at The 02 Arena in London.

Allen landed a crushing shot that sent Browne to the canvas for the 10 count at 58 seconds of round three.

Allen is 17-4-2 with 14 knockouts.  Browne of Australia is 28-2.

After earning the biggest win of his career to date, ‘White Rhino’ said: “I want more now, I’m greedy. I proved I can punch at the highest level. He’s not what he once was but it’s a very good win. A very good win. This tops the Nick Webb night. The left hook to the body was beautiful.”

Dereck Chisora won a 10-round unanimous decision over Senad Gashi in a heavyweight bout.

Chisora landed some power punches throughout, where Gashi did little more then circle to his left.

Chisora won by scores of 100-90, 100-91 and 99-91 and is now 30-9. Gashi of Kosovo is 17-3.

Josh Kelly won a 10-round unanimous decision over Przemyslaw Runowski in a welterweight contest

In round 10, Kelly decked Runowski with a perfect left.

Kelly won by scores of 100-8 twice and 100-89 and is now 9-0. Runowksi is 17-1.

Joe Cordina remained undefeated by taking out Andy Townend in round six of their scheduled 12-round lightweight bout.

Cordina dropped Townend in round six with a flurry of power shots. Moments later, he sent Townend to a knee with an uppercut on the inside. Cordina finished the deal with a hard right and left that sent Townend to a knee again, and the fight was immediately stopped at 2:51.

Cordina of Cardiff, Wales is now 9-0 with seven knockouts. Townend is 22-5.

Conor Benn remained undefeated with a eight-round decision win over Josef Zahradnik in a welterweight bout.

Benn registered a knockdown in round seven with a body shot and won by a referee score of 80-71.

Benn is 14-0. Zahradnik is 10-3.

DOORS 16:30

BOXING STARTS 16:45

6 x 3 mins Cruiserweight contest
SAM HYDE 14st 10lbs 1oz v JOZEF JURKO 14st 2lbs 8oz
(Manchester) (Slovakia)

4 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight
SAM COX 8st 8lbs v GEORGI GEORGIEV 8st 8lbs 3oz
(Islington) (Bulgaria)

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
JOHN HARDING Jr 11st 3lbs 8oz v MIROSLAV JUNA 11st 4lbs
(Brixton) (Czech Rep)

18:20 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

4 x 2 mins Bantamweight contest
SHANNON COURTENAY 8st 6lbs 9oz v ROZ MARI SILYANOVA 8st 7lbs 7oz
(Watford) (Bulgaria)

4 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
NIKITA ABABIY 11st 6lbs 8oz v DMITRI FALTIN 11st 7lbs 1oz
(Brooklyn, NY) (Finland)

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS

8 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
CONOR BENN 10st 8lbs 9oz v JOSEF ZAHRADNIK 10st 5lbs 5oz
(Ilford) (Czech Rep)

12 x 3 mins British & Commonwealth Lightweight Championships
JOE CORDINA 9st 8lbs 4oz v ANDY TOWNEND 9st 8lbs 7oz
(Cardiff) (Barnsley)

10 x 3 mins WBA International Welterweight Championship
JOSH KELLY 10st 6lbs 9oz v PRZEMYSLAW RUNOWSKI 10st 6lbs 9oz
(Sunderland) (Poland)

10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
DEREK CHISORA 18st 7lbs v SENAD GASHI 15st 10lbs 6oz
(Finchley) (Kosovo)

12 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
DAVID ALLEN 17st 6lbs 2oz v LUCAS BROWNE 17st 10lbs 1oz
(Conisborough) (Australia)

John Harding Jr has credited boxing for turning his life around as he prepares to take part in his first major arena show on the undercard of Dave Allen vs. Lucas Browne and Derek Chisora vs. Senad Gashi at The O2 in London this Saturday.

The Brixton Super-Welterweight (6-0-1, 1 KO) grew up on an estate in South East London and found himself caught up in gang activity at a young age, resulting in lengthy spells in prison. Determined to change his lie for the better, the now 34-year-old decided to put his all into climbing the ladder in the pro ranks after his debut at York Hall in 2017.

Heavyweight World title contender Dillian Whyte took Harding Jr under his wing at the beginning of the year and set about securing his new charge a golden opportunity on Matchroom Boxing’s Easter weekend card in Greenwich – Harding Jr says he will always be grateful for ‘The Body Snatcher’s’ guidance and leadership.

“Everything is good,” Harding Jr told iFL TV. “I’m just here enjoying being on this stage. It felt weird but now I’m embracing it. I was always the person on the outside looking in, but now I’ve got my chance. I’ve been working closely with Dillian and to be in this position now is just amazing. I want to prove to people that hard work can pay off. I want everyone to look at my life and know that if they work hard they can change their ways as well. Boxing has given me a lifeline.

“I grew up on an estate in New Cross. On the estate you grew up in a brotherhood, so you grew up inheriting rival gang activities. We thought that hustling was the only way for us to move forward in life. Other people call it drug-dealing, for us it was just survival. That’s what we grew up around and thought was normal. I ran into the law a couple of times. I’ve spent probably around five and a half years of my life in prison. It’s very hard when you’re in that position as a young person.

“I always dreamt I’d be the one being interviewed one day. I used to watch these guys being interviewed on a secret little mobile phone in jail! This shows the power of vision and hard work. When I stepped out with nothing, I only had that vision in my head. I was quite big, 17 stone and muscly. Now look at me, I’m a Light-Middleweight floating like a butterfly!

“I just kept coming to the gym, training around guys like Richard Riakporhe. I was always in the shadows of those guys, training hard. Fast-forward a while and I bumped into Dillian Whyte, who’s looked out for me since. He saw my heart and he’s brought me close and that just shows me how much of a true person he is. For him to reach out and help someone like me has changed my life and helped others too.

“It’s never too late to change your life. Hard work always pays off. Dillian told me to work hard. He always emphasises working hard. Even when it was his birthday he was in the gym grinding and working all day. I can’t lie, this is big for me, but Dillian has told me to be grounded. He’s a workaholic, he doesn’t stop. Focus and hard work pays off and I’m the living proof of that.”

Harding Jr takes part in a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (16-4-2, 13 KOs) faces the biggest night of his career against Australia’s former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne (28-1, 14 KOs), Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Czech Republic’s Josef Zahradnik (10-2, 5KOs), Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Dave Allen insists there is “zero chance” of Lucas Browne defeating him by knockout when they collide at the top of a huge Heavyweight bill at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former WBA World ruler Browne has amassed 24 stoppages from 28 career wins and the hard-hitting Australian known as ‘Big Daddy’ says he is looking forward to a “good old fashioned slugfest” when he meets cult hero Allen over 12 rounds in the Capital.

Allen is renowned for his durability having only been stopped twice in 22 fights – a seventh round TKO loss to World title challenger Luis Ortiz and a controversial tenth round stoppage loss Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka – and the ‘White Rhino’ says he has no concerns over trading leather with Browne.

“The last thing I worry about when I box is the power,” said Allen. “That’s not because I can take a good shot, even though I can.

“People say ‘you haven’t got a good defence’, I’ve got a great defence, I see every shot coming. Even the ones I take clean in the face, I know they’re coming. You’re not going to knock me out.

“Lucas Browne, if he’s planning on beating me with power, he might as well stay in Australia, because there’s zero chance of me getting knocked out.”

Allen heads into the biggest fight of his career in the form of his life following three KO wins over Nick Webb, Samir Nebo and Ariel Esteban Bracamonte, and the popular 27-year-old Yorkshireman is aiming to make it three KO wins from three fights at the Greenwich venue.

“Even though there’s no animosity in the build-up, I want to punch him all over The O2. I’ve trained harder than ever for this fight and you’ll all see the difference come fight night. I’m going to knock him out.

“A win here puts me on the big stage, not the highest level, but within touching distance of a fight that would then put me there.”

Allen vs. Browne is part of a huge night of boxing in London.

Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Czech Republic’s Josef Zahradnik (10-2, 5KOs), Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Aussie hardman Lucas Browne is expecting a bloody and bruising affair when he collides with Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen at The O2 in London on April 20, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The Heavyweight rivals came face-to-face for the first time at today’s Public Workout at Old Spitalfields Market and both men were in good spirits as they embraced and joked, but the former WBA Heavyweight World Champion insists it will be strictly business come fight night.

“This is the first time I’ve met Dave and I really like him,” said Browne. “I’ve never had a bad word to say about him and I still don’t. He’s a cool guy and you can see how popular he is from today’s turnout at the workout, there was hundreds of the people there. It is what it is. We’re both professional fighters and I’m just going to do my job on the night.

“I don’t think he’s ever going to be a World Champion but he’s definitely a great fighter. If you put him up against anyone else in Australia, I think he beats them. He’s got a chin like a brick so it’s going to be a long night for me. I’m not going to bowl him over in one round but I’m prepared for all scenarios. We’re going to knock lumps off each other.

“I think there’s going to be blood, some cuts and some big punches. The fans are going to be the real winners. I genuinely believe this has got the potential to be Fight of the Year if everything gels. He looks like he’s started to take things very seriously and you can tell that by the shape he’s in. I think you’ll see the best versions of us next week.”

Browne returns to the scene of his sole career loss to Dillian Whyte determined to redeem himself. Since that loss, ‘Big Daddy’ (28-1) has made changes to his training team and bounced back with three wins. He believes another victory on April 20 will fire his name back into the World mix.

“My mental state wasn’t right heading into the Dillian Whyte fight. Everything that I was doing at home with training and going away from the family and all that sort of stuff wasn’t right, so that did affect everything else as well. My head wasn’t right and I think that had a big impact on everything leading up to the fight.

“My boxing trainer Rodney Williams who came over with me last time, he’s an absolute legend of a bloke as well as a boxing trainer, but I wasn’t doing any of the strength and conditioning and all that other stuff. I think I was definitely lacking in that regard.

“Now I’m hooked up with Jay Gray my Head Coach. I’m in Perth with my kids and family and that’s a full time thing there. Jay does everything in the one gym so not only my boxing, sparring and pad work, but all of the strength and conditioning, fitness and everything all in one spot.

“I think it’s something that I needed to do instead of spending so much time away from my family. I’m in a really good place now and I feel happy. I think that’s going to make a big difference to my career moving forward. This is the start of my journey to another Heavyweight World title.”

Allen vs. Browne is part of a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring, Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

DANIEL DUBOIS INSISTS he will have no issue in taking on the next available contenders should his proposed British title showdown with Joe Joyce not come to fruition.

The 21-year-old heavyweight and his team are adamant he will not be withdrawn from the mandated collision for the Lonsdale belt should he be successful in overcoming the threat posed by the world-ranked Ghanaian Richard Lartey at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27.

That being the case, it would be down to the Olympic silver medallist to choose whether he accepts the mission of attempting to de-rail the rapid progress of the 10-0 Dubois or look elsewhere to build on his success of stopping former world champion Bermane Stiverne last time out.

Dubois earlier today stated on his official Twitter account that he would like to win the British Title this year. Alternatives to Joyce could include the likes of David Allen and Derek Chisora.

Dubois is relishing the prospect of taking on Joyce, but when asked whether other names in the British frame such as Dereck Chisora and David Allen would hold any fears for him, ‘Triple D’ asserted he has no issues.

“I am not out to duck anybody and these guys are further on or roundabout the same stats as me in the rankings, so I have got to face them and I will do,” said the executor of nine KOs out of 10 fights, who acknowledges that the threats to his unbeaten progress are getting very real now.

“This is what we have been working towards and why I turned pro, to be moving up the rankings and progressing as I am.

“I haven’t really seen too much of Lartey, but I am sure he is going to be game and come ready for a fight, so I’ve got to be prepared one hundred per cent. I cannot cut any corners and I will be ready.”

Meanwhile, Dubois credits Joyce for adding a stellar name to his list of eight vanquished opponents and winning the Commonwealth title.

“It was a good win for Joyce and a good name for his resume. It was not the best Bermane Stiverne because he is at the end of his career now, but it was a good win and a good scalp for his CV against a former world champion.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There is a Queensberry debut for Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

Dave Allen has confirmed that he is looking to pursue a career in professional wrestling once he has hung up his gloves for good.

The hugely-popular Doncaster favourite turned pro in 2012 and has become a cult hero amongst boxing fans with brave performances against the likes of Dillian Whyte, Luis Ortiz and Tony Yoka.

‘White Rhino’ is enjoying the form of his life after claiming successive stoppage wins over Nick Webb, Sami Nebo and most recently Ariel Esteban Bracamonte at the Manchester Arena.

He faces the biggest night of his career on April 20 when he squares off with former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

With his record standing at 16-4-2 (13 KO’s), Allen has admitted that he may only have 3 or 4 fights left in him in the paid code, and wants to go out on a high – starting with a big KO over Australia’s Browne.

Allen was left feeling inspired after a recent meeting with legendary professional wrestler Mick Foley, and he has expressed his desire to follow in ‘The Hardcore Legend’s’ famous footsteps.

“Everyone knows my real passion is wrestling – You only have to look at my social media which shows it’s a big part of my life,” said Allen.

“I’ve got a big fight to win on April 20 but the discussions are on-going for me to enter the professional wrestling world for 2020 with various organisations.

“I’m in great shape at the minute and want to box three or four times this year and give it my all. But then I’m up for making the switch and be a crossover star in both sports.

“I met Mick Foley a few weeks ago and that’s only fuelled my fire to follow in his footsteps, it’s not over the line yet but the talks are promising.”

General Sale tickets for Allen vs. Browne are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Dave Allen faces the biggest night of his career when he takes on former WBA World Champion Lucas Browne on a huge evening of Heavyweight action at The O2 in London on April 20, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, that sees Finchley bad boy Derek Chisora return to the ring against Senad Gashi after his FOTY contender with Dillian Whyte in December.

‘White Rhino’ is in the form of his life after notching successive stoppage wins over Nick Webb, Samir Nebo and Ariel Esteban Bracamonte in the second half of 2018. The Doncaster fans’ favourite rich vein of form began with a “life-changing” fourth round knockout win against Webb at The O2 in July and he hopes to make it three KO’s from three fights at the Greenwich venue next month.

Browne returns to the scene of his sole career loss to Dillian Whyte determined to redeem himself with a big knockout win over cult hero Allen. Since that loss the 28-1 Australian, who’s career-best win came against Ruslan Chagaev in 2016, has bounced back with three wins and he believes another victory on April 20 will fire his name back into the World mix.

“I have never trained so hard in my life,” said Allen. “I’m going to knock Browne spark out, I hit too hard for him. Even though there’s no animosity in the build-up, I want to punch him all over The O2 in to row Z.

“Lucas Browne isn’t the Lucas Browne who beat Chagaev, he’s a faded force. That being said he’s still very dangerous, he does have that power, but this fight is perfect for me. He’s a former World Heavyweight Champion. A win here puts me on the big stage, not the highest level, but within touching distance of a fight that would then put me there.

“To be at the top of the bill at The O2 means loads, the support is something special. I’m unbeaten at The O2 with two huge knockouts and I’m very confident in making it a treble.”

“I’m eager to redeem myself at The O2 and will be coming for a knockout,” said Browne. “I’m a fan of Dave, I have nothing bad to say about him and I’m looking forward to a good old-fashioned brawl on April 20. This is the fight for me to showcase who and what I am to the masses. It’s a blockbuster fight and I know Dave is a big crowd favourite but that will drive me on to silence the fans.

“I’m at the stage in my career where I need to be 100% serious, I’m getting too old to play around. The loss to Whyte was the kick in the butt that I needed and since then I’ve changed my promoter, team, training and general approach to boxing.”

Former World title challenger Chisora came sensationally close to beating Whyte in December. Going into the eleventh round of an exhilarating and brutal fight, Chisora was ahead on two of the judges’ scorecards only to be caught by a devastating left hook.

Having recently teamed up with highly-respected trainer Dave Coldwell, Chisora is feeling refreshed, revitalised and ready to take on any challenges in 2019.

“Six weeks ‘til I go back to WAR and boy I can’t wait!” said Chisora. “On Saturday 20th April I will be stepping into the ring at The O2 with fire in my soul, I have a point to prove and mission to continue!

“Parker b*tched out, he must have taken too many laxatives and sh*t himself. He wasn’t ready for the battle, he reckons he needed more time. Gashi has shown he is a true fighter, he is always ready to go to war when called. He showed this in December when he stepped in the ring with Takam on just one week’s notice and gave him a real fight. I’m not stupid, I know with six weeks’ notice in April Gashi will be a different animal.

“He is a wild horse, a loose cannon, he is coming to win but trust me, he won’t hear the final bell. I’m ready, we’ve stepped things up a gear working hard with Dave Coldwell. April 20th WAR Chisora will be back in London to show the Heavyweight division exactly why retirement wasn’t an option.”

Some of the best up-and-coming talent Britain has to offer get the chance to showcase their skills to the masses once again as Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski.

Cardiff’s ‘Welsh Wizard’ Joe Cordina picked up the Commonwealth Lightweight crown in his last outing against Sean Dodd and he steps up again on April 20 to take on Barnsley ‘KO Kid’ Andy Townend for the vacant Lord Lonsdale belt.

Ilford Welterweight Conor Benn makes his long-awaited return to the ring following a hand injury that kept him out of action since his first title win over Cedrick Peynaud in July, and ‘The Destroyer’ in promising another explosive performance as he looks to pick up where he left off.

“Runowski’s a solid opponent, unbeaten for a reason,” said Kelly. “They breed them tough in Eastern Europe but I’m ready to dismantle him and put on a show for everyone in the crowd and watching at home. It excites me every time I step through the ropes. This year is going to be massive if everything goes to plan. I’ve got to keep my feet firmly on the ground, continue to work and get the results.”

“I’m excited to be back at The O2 for this big Heavyweight double-header,” said Eddie Hearn. “Dave Allen has become a cult hero over the last year but this time he is in deep against former WBA World Champion Lucas Browne. Browne, who lost to Dillian Whyte at the same venue just under a year ago, has bounced back with three wins since and is looking for a shot at one of the big boys. For Dave, this is a dream chance to catapult himself into the big time in a vibrant Heavyweight market.

“Chisora returns after his FOTY contender with Dillian Whyte in December against the tough Senad Gashi. Gashi went to war with Takam in December on less than a week’s notice and this time he will be fully prepared in what I believe will be a very tough fight. One of the world’s biggest young talents Josh Kelly defends his WBA title against unbeaten Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and fellow Olympian Joe Cordina will challenge Andy Townend for the vacant British Lightweight title. Unbeaten 147lb star Conor Benn also returns to action following a hand injury as he hunts major domestic titles in 2019.”

David Haye of Hayemaker Promotions said: “On Saturday 20th April Hayemaker Promotions are excited to be back at The O2, the home of British Boxing. Once again working in partnership with Matchroom Boxing, we are looking forward to bringing fight fans an electric night of boxing with showreel knockout endings!

“Derek ‘WAR’ Chisora will be back, on a mission to show the fans exactly what he has in his armoury under new Head Trainer Dave Coldwell. Former WBA World Champion Lucas Browne is set to go toe-to-toe with Dave ‘White Rhino’ Allen and future World Welterweight Champion Josh Kelly is also ready to set the ring alight.”

Oleksandr Usyk retained the undisputed cruiserweight title with an 8th round stoppage over Tony Bellew in Manchester, England.

Bellew took the early ;ead by landing some nice right hands on Usyk, who seemed to be biding his time to figure out Bellew.  Usyk started to come on in the middle rounds and got his vaunted jab working.

Clearly with the momentum in his favor, Usyk continued to break down Bellew until he landed a crushing left that sent Bellew crashing back first over the bottom rope.  Bellew got to his knees, but the fight was waved off at 2:00.

Usyk of Ukraine is 16-0 with 12 knockouts.  Bellew of Liverpool, UK is 30-3-1.

Former world champion Anthony Crolla earned another world title shot with a 12-round unanimous decision over Daud Yordan in a lightweight contest.

Crolla of Manchester won by scores of 116-112 on all cards, and is now 34-6-3.  Yordan of Indonesia is 38-4.

Former three-division world champion, Ricky Burns stopped Scott Cardle in round three of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round one, blood started to flow from Cardle’s nose from hard jabs from Burns. In round three, Burns landed a perfect right that sent Cardle to the deck. Cardle got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 2:06.

Burns, 138 lbs of Scotland is 43-7-1 with 16 knockouts. Cardle, 136 1/2 lbs is now 23-3-1.

Josh Kelly stopped Walter Castillo in round one of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Kelly dropped Castillo with a perfect 1-2 combination. Moments later, Kelly landed a hard combination on the ropes, and the fight was stopped at 2:55.

Kelly, 151 lbs of Sunderland, UK is 8-0 with six knockouts. Castillo, 149 1/2 lbs of Argentina is 13-3.

Dave Allen stopped Ariel Bracamonte after round seven of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight fight.

In round seven Bracamonte suffered a cut on the bridge of his nose from a flush right hand from Allen. The fight was halted after that round.

Allen, 257 1/4 lbs of England is 16-4-2 with 13 knockouts. Bracamonte, 256 1/2 lbs of Argentina is 8-2.

Richard Riakporhe stopped Sam Hyde in round eight of their scheduled 10-round cruiserweight bout featuring undefeated cruiserweights.

Riakporhe landed hard shots in round eight, and Hyde’s left eye began to swell in round eight. There was a huge hemotama that shut Hyde’s eight and the towel was thrown in.

Riakporhe, 197.3 lbs of London is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Hyde, 199.5 lbs of Manchester, UK is 13-1-1.

Dymytro Mytrofano and Gino Kanters battled to a four-round draw in a middleweight fight.

In round one, Kanters dropped Mytrofanov just seconds into the fight. Mytronfavov fought back but was only able to muster a draw.

Mytrofanov, who was an Olympian is 2-0-1. Kanters of The Netherlands is 5-2-1. The referee score was 38-38.