Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic is a heavyweight fight that writes itself. On one side, you have the “White Rhino” — a Doncaster-born brawler beloved by British boxing fans, fighting in his own backyard, living proof that sport can be stranger and more wonderful than anything you’d script. On the other, Filip Hrgovic: the uncompromising Croatian powerhouse who has dismantled every opponent put in front of him bar one, with a professional skillset sharpened in the finest amateur programme on the planet. On May 16, they collide at Eco Power Stadium, Doncaster, live on DAZN.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, May 16, 2026 |
| Venue | Eco Power Stadium, Doncaster |
| Promotion | Matchroom Boxing |
| Division | Heavyweight |
| Scheduled Rounds | 10 |
| Broadcast | DAZN (Worldwide) |
Dave Allen (25-8-2, 20 KOs) is English boxing’s most entertaining heavyweight in a generation. The 35-year-old from Doncaster has never taken a backward step in his career, trading leather with the best in the division and absorbing more punishment than any highlight reel can capture. At 6’3” (191cm) and orthodox, Allen brings a rugged aggression and crowd-pleasing style to every contest.
His recent form tells a tale of grit and revival. After being edged on a split decision by Richard Fisher in December 2024, Allen returned the following May to stop Fisher in five rounds — a statement reversal that typified his never-say-die spirit. A points defeat to Makhmudov in October 2025 showed he can still compete at high level, and a TKO1 demolition of Berredjem this February kept the momentum alive. Allen carries 20 knockouts in 35 fights — that’s a KO rate of over 57%. He cannot be taken lightly.
Filip Hrgovic (19-1-0, 14 KOs) enters this fight as one of the most technically accomplished heavyweights in the world. The 34-year-old Croatian — nicknamed “El Animal” after his time training in Cuba — stands 6’6” (198cm) with an 81.9-inch reach, elite amateur pedigree (2016 Olympic bronze medallist), and a professional record that reads like a systematic destruction of elite opposition.
His only professional defeat came at the hands of Daniel Dubois, who stopped him in the eighth round in June 2024 — the same Dubois who has since won the WBO Heavyweight Championship. Hrgovic’s response was emphatic: three consecutive decision wins over Joe Joyce (twice) and Richard Adeleye, demonstrating the ring intelligence and punch output to dominate top-10 heavyweights over 10 rounds. He lands 14 knockouts in 19 wins — 74% — and possesses the technical skill and physical tools to shut any heavyweight down.
| Allen | Hrgovic | |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 25-8-2 | 19-1-0 |
| KOs | 20 (57%) | 14 (74%) |
| Height | 6’3” / 191cm | 6’6” / 198cm |
| Reach | — | 81.9” |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Debut | 2012 | 2017 |
Dave Allen — Last 5 Fights
| Result | Opponent | Method | Rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| W | Berredjem | TKO | 1 |
| L | Makhmudov | UD | 12 |
| W | Richard Fisher | TKO | 5 |
| L | Richard Fisher | SD | 10 |
| W | Boucetta | PTS | 4 |
Filip Hrgovic — Last 5 Fights
| Result | Opponent | Method | Rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| W | Adeleye | UD | 10 |
| W | Joyce II | UD | 10 |
| W | Joyce I | UD | 10 |
| L | Dubois | TKO | 8 |
| W | De Mori | TKO | 1 |
This is a fascinatingly awkward stylistic puzzle. Allen’s game is built on forward pressure, physical aggression, and a willingness to get hit — qualities that have made him a crowd favourite but also contributed to his career’s rocky stretches. Hrgovic’s game is built on reach advantage, sharp footwork, and a stiff jab that keeps opponents at the end of his fists.
The three-inch height and reach advantage Hrgovic enjoys is meaningful at heavyweight. Allen will need to get inside that jab and turn this into a phone booth fight — exactly the kind of contest Hrgovic’s technical game is designed to prevent. The Dubois loss proved Hrgovic can be stopped if an opponent lands flush; the question is whether Allen has the tools to do it.
Hrgovic’s three consecutive wins over Joyce showed he can grind out rounds comfortably when the opposition stays the distance. Allen’s best nights have come when he has nothing to lose and everything to prove — and fighting in Doncaster, with the crowd behind him, might bring out his very best.
Dave Allen must:
Filip Hrgovic must:
| Odds (UK) | Odds (US) | |
|---|---|---|
| Allen | 6/1 | +600 |
| Hrgovic | 1/9 | −900 |
Hrgovic is a heavy favourite for good reason — his physical advantages, technical ability, and professional polish put him in a different bracket to Allen on paper. The Croatian is one of the cleanest heavyweight technicians in the division.
But Allen is in Doncaster. And Dave Allen in Doncaster, with the crowd roaring him forward, is capable of things that don’t show up on a tale of the tape.
Prediction: Filip Hrgovic W UD 10 — Hrgovic keeps the distance, uses the jab, and grinds out a clear decision. But don’t be surprised if Allen makes it a very uncomfortable night.
| Country | Broadcaster | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | DAZN | 7:00 PM BST |
| 🇺🇸 US | DAZN | 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT |
When is Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic? The fight takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Eco Power Stadium, Doncaster.
How can I watch Allen vs Hrgovic? The fight is broadcast live on DAZN worldwide. In the UK it starts at 7:00 PM BST; in the US at 2:00 PM ET.
What are the betting odds for Allen vs Hrgovic? Hrgovic is the heavy favourite at 1/9 (−900), with Allen the massive underdog at 6/1 (+600).
What is Dave Allen’s record? Dave Allen enters the fight with a professional record of 25-8-2, with 20 wins by KO (57% stoppage rate).
What is Filip Hrgovic’s record? Filip Hrgovic has a record of 19-1-0, with 14 knockouts (74% KO rate). His only loss came to current WBO Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois.
Who has Filip Hrgovic beaten? Hrgovic has beaten Joe Joyce twice, Richard Adeleye, and a host of other ranked heavyweights. His only defeat was a TKO8 loss to Daniel Dubois in June 2024.
Also on the card at Eco Power Stadium, check out our previews of the undercard bouts: Louie O’Doherty vs Ahmed Hatim — British & Commonwealth Lightweight Title, Michael Gomez Jnr vs Lee McGregor, Maxi Hughes vs Lewis Sylvester, and Ben Fail vs Dean Sutherland.
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