Heavyweight fan-favourite Dave Allen is planning his exit strategy and the ‘Doncaster De La Hoya’ has one former unified heavyweight world champion on his mind for what would be his farewell fight.
Allen has boxed five times during 2026, but lost out to now-IBF world champion Filip Hrgovic when he headlined at the Doncaster Rovers football stadium and then his co-main event on the iconic Katie Taylor Croke Park bill resulted in a no-contest just weeks ago.
Yet, despite hardship on the big stage this year, Allen has maintained his hunger for activity and big fights.
On his Instagram account, Allen revealed plans to fight at least one more time this year, but also unveiled that discussions for a clash with Californian Anthony Joshua vanquisher, Andy Ruiz Jr, are progressing well.
“I’ve spoke to Eddie twice now about the Ruiz fight. The first time he said he likes it, [then] I saw him at the [Fight Day] 5K on Saturday and I would say it looks good to happen.
“I’ll box again this year, once, maybe twice, because why not? But yeah, if Ruiz happens, that will be the last one, so hopefully [it does].”
Ruiz suffered a third career defeat when he ended a two-year spell of inactivity and returned to action in an unsuccessful comeback against Damian Knyba at the beginning of this month.
However, ‘The Destroyer’, who is also signed with Matchroom, has refused to hang up the gloves just yet and the 37-year-old could see a UK debut against Allen as an ideal opportunity to return to winning ways.
