Now it makes more sense.

The matchup between Dave Allen and Filip Hrgovic, scheduled for May 16, initially appeared to be little more than another popular British heavyweight being handed a shot at a world-class operator.

But break it down.

In his last major fight, Allen (25-8-2, 20 KOs) was stopped by fringe contender Arslanbek Makhmudov at Sheffield Arena. A crack at glory in a Matchroom main event felt like the stuff of fairytales, but boxing often combines ambition with unforgiving endings. That defeat came seven months ago and, since then, Allen has recorded the seventh first-round stoppage win of his career against the underwhelming Karim Berredjem.

His reward for falling short against Makhmudov is a move from the Russian puncher to the polished Croatian Hrgovic. A task that appears even tougher regardless of home advantage or the recycled Cinderella narrative attached to Allen during fight week.

The Itauma effect

Enter Moses Itauma.

The unbeaten heavyweight phenom is targeting a return on August 8. No opponent has been announced, but DAZN reported this week that Hrgovic (19-1, 14 KOs) is the frontrunner provided he comes through Allen victorious and unscathed.

Earlier this week, during the pre-fight press conference, Hrgovic was asked about the possibility of facing Itauma in August. The 33-year-old answered positively, albeit cautiously.

“I’ll fight anyone but I must win on Saturday hopefully without injuries, without cuts. The date is soon after my fight so we’ll see what shape I will be after the fight. I must win, I must look good and be without injuries. We’ll see. But I’m definitely open to fight with anyone in the world.”

So, is Allen-Hrgovic effectively a warm-up fight disguised as one last roll of the dice for the Brit?

One thing is certain: it is dangerous matchmaking.

Allen, who has already shared the ring with world-level opponents such as Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz, has yet to produce a victory capable of shaking the heavyweight landscape. The Yorkshireman’s standout wins remain those over a faded Lucas Browne and fellow fan favourite Johnny Fisher, a fighter who may not even prove to be British-title level.

Allen’s story — battling mental health struggles and overcoming addiction — is undeniably inspirational. His willingness to continually throw himself in against fighters considered better than him is admirable. Yet this feels like the closing chapter of his 14-year rollercoaster career. What started with Allen alone now carries the backing of thousands, many of whom will be out in force at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium.

Hrgovic, meanwhile, would tumble down the heavyweight ladder with a defeat on Saturday night.

His crushing loss to Daniel Dubois in June 2024 contributed to a 10-month absence from the ring. Returning to winning ways came against more British opposition in Joe Joyce and David Adeleye. Two fighters at very different stages of their careers, yet Hrgovic hardly looked spectacular in either outing.

No happy ending

The Rocky-style fairytale of Dave Allen somehow has one final opportunity to produce the kind of ending that tugs at the heartstrings of British boxing fans. Yet it increasingly feels as though he is merely a pawn in a far bigger game — one in which Hrgovic rebuilds his world-title ambitions before a potential showdown with Itauma.

If Itauma is next, however, Hrgovic may need considerably more than 12 weeks to recover and prepare for a heavyweight many already regard as a special talent, despite his lack of elite-level tests.

Allen himself has already stated he has no interest in facing Itauma. Hrgovic is the current endgame. This is his world-title fight once again. At least Allen is realistic enough to understand the scale of the challenge in front of him.

Everything about the matchup points towards a convincing Hrgovic victory, and it likely needs to be convincing if the Itauma fight is to materialise.

Of course, boxing thrives on clichés and Allen requires the ultimate Hollywood moment: one punch changing everything. But, as seen recently in Wardley-Dubois, limitations are often brutally exposed at elite level.

All that remains is the hope that Allen’s corner, led by Jamie Moore, and the referee recognise the right moment to save him from himself.

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