Dave Allen, a beloved “white rhino” from Doncaster, never looked better. At the age of 33, he is preparing for what he calls “the fight for the title of world champion” of his life against the destructive pretender for the heavyweight of Arslanbek Makhmudov – and he does it in the best physical condition of his professional career.
However, instead of universal praise, this transformation caused slack of fans and aroused a long debate that follows Allen like Shadow: Why did he not always train in his outstanding moments?
The scale of Allen’s physical transformation dominated the narrative in gathering to the clash of Makhmudov. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who organizes the event, could not refrain from generous praise for sacrificing heavyweight.
“Up to ten days. Practically beyond recognition, and at 8,000 tickets sold it is really a huge fight this Saturday for Dave Allen. The whole country stands behind this man in a real change in life,” said Hearn.
Although it was intended as praise, this attention acted as a spark for a frustrated fan base. Critics flooded social media, emphasizing the history of Allen entering the fights, even deafening, in questionable form. For many, the sight of Allen was not a holiday; It was a painful reminder of what could have been.
Eddie Hearna’s praise and direct slack of fans
The core of criticism is that Allen’s natural endurance and huge popularity, combined with its size and an iron chin, meant that he had all the raw tools to compete at real world level years ago. A greater commitment to fitness not only hindered his physical production, but according to critics, also influenced his mental readiness to elite challenges.
The fans’ argument is elementary: the discipline shown now should be the basis from the very beginning. This collective disappointment turns the current narrative from returning into a tragedy with unfulfilled potential.
Even Hearn removed from the situation when Allen’s conditioning in the fighting led to several beats with observation.
Makhmudov Fight: A “World Title Title Fight” with everything is not
For Dave Allen, external noise is secondary to the stake of the fight itself. He does not underestimate the task presented by Fear Makhmudov, whom he considers his peak of his career.
Talking to TalkSport, Allen insisted on the greatness of the moment: “This is my fight for the title of world champion. If I beat Makhmudova, it’s a victory in my career. Makhmudov’s fight is everything to me. If I beat him, people will have to respect me.”
This is his chance to gain respect, which he thinks many have been wasted over the years. A victory against a monster like Makhmudov would finally silence critics and catapulate him in a conversation about real seven -digit fights.
Mark Robinson
Assessment of the costs of fluctuations in the obligation
The wider debate was: Was Allen’s career a story about the inability? – Remains vital. Throughout their entire career, the size of Allen, China and Sheer will be undeniable. His ability to compete with fighters, such as Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz, often with behind schedule preparation, only sent the belief that the fully devoted Allen could have already gained a significant chance for the title of world champion.
His current peak preparation emphasizes the discrepancy with the past, allowing critics to argue that his talent and potential were tragically wasted for sporadic efforts, not a coherent, peak sacrifice.
The last chance to define heritage
As the Night of the Fight, Allen’s current efficiency is a testimony to his determination, but at the same time serves as a mirror reflecting his past defects.
The question on the Utilita Arena does not only apply to whether Allen can make monumental nervousness, but whether this peak is a enduring change that redefines his heritage, or whether Makhmudov struggle will become the final, last chapter in his career, which will forever be determined by what could be.
About the author
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. How The editor -in -chief of World Boxing News since 2010Jay has An interview with dozens of world champions was conducted AND Ring reported On the largest boxing nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] And find out more about his work in combat sports journalism.
Xander Zayas and Jaron Ennis will meet tonight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where two undefeated world champions will fight for the WBO and WBA super welterweight titles.
Zayas is defending his WBO and first WBA title for the second time, while Ennis is moving up from welterweight in a bid to become a two-weight ruler.
World Boxing News brings you live scores and updates from Brooklyn throughout the evening.
Live scorecards:
• Jahi Tucker vs. Euri Cedeno
• Emiliano Vargas vs. Bryce Mills
• Ben Whittaker vs. Richard Rivera
• Xander Zayas vs. Jaron Ennis (including round-by-round)
Scores by Xander Zayas and Jaron Ennis
Times are local – ET
00:11
Jaron “Boots” Ennis defeated Xander Zayas in seven rounds to become the unified WBA and WBO super welterweight champion in Brooklyn.
Ennis dropped Zayas in the first round, then survived a dramatic rally in the third round in which the previously undefeated champion hurt him with several demanding shots.
The momentum dropped significantly in the fifth quarter when Ennis knocked out Zayas with a crushing uppercut.
After dominating the sixth puck, Ennis forced Zayas to kneel at the start of the seventh puck, prompting the referee to wave his hand and stop the fight.
22:43
Emiliano Vargas remained undefeated after stopping Bryce Mills in the fourth round after a dominant display in the shootout.
Vargas controlled most of the contest, although Mills had his moments in return. He won the first two rounds 10-9 before scoring a knockdown in the third and taking a frame 10-8.
The end came in the fourth period when Vargas dropped Mills twice to force a stoppage and seal an impressive TKO victory.
21:55
Ben Whittaker he defeated Richie Rivera with a crushing left hook in the second round after dropping “Popeye The Sailor Man” in the opening session.
Rivera has proven to be more than just routine work for the British lithe heavyweight, who now desperately needs a tougher test after another impressive stoppage win.
21:50
Ben Whittaker and Richie Rivera in the ring.
21:23
Jahi Tucker he achieved a majority decision victory over Euri Cedeno after ten rounds of competition, continuing his middleweight career.
Tucker took control early before Cedeno fought his way back into contention in the middle rounds. However, Tucker finished the fight as the stronger of the two, winning the final four rounds on the WBN card and securing a well-deserved verdict.
The official judges scored it 95-95, 97-93 and 98-92, giving Tucker the majority win. WBN cards 98-92.
20:53
A barnstorm is heating up for the first fight on the Pay Per View card between Jahi Tucker and Euri Cedeno.
19:56
Dennis Thompson defeated Edwin Rodriguez from Puerto Rico by split decision in a close fight. Thompson rose to a gripping challenge and earned the verdict after eight rounds.
The judges scored the fight 79-73 and 77-75 in his favor, while the third judge scored it 77-75 for Rodriguez.
The victory gave Thompson a 1-0 lead for Philadelphia over Puerto Rico.
19:43
Dennis Thompson and Edwin Rodriguez go toe-to-toe in their super bantamweight bout.
19:14
Quincey Williams they remained undefeated with a dominant 79-73 unanimous decision over the hard-wearing Jerome Baxter after eight rounds.
18:35
Quincey Williams 6-0 starts his fight against Jerome Baxter 8-1 in the welterweight division.
On the card too Juanma Lopez DeJesus it took just over two minutes to beat Alberto Motos.
Boxing in the match room
Announcement
Zayas and Ennis meet over twelve rounds for the WBO and WBA super welterweight world titles in one of the biggest fights of the year in boxing.
The undefeated champions will headline the highest level competition and boxing competition held at the Barclays Center under the jurisdiction of the Up-to-date York State Athletic Commission.
The main support will be Ben Whittaker’s defense of his WBC Silver lithe heavyweight title against Richard Rivera following his victory over Liam Cameron.
Undefeated Emiliano Vargas also returns against Bryce Mills, while Jahi Tucker and Euri Cedeno fight for the vacant IBF North American, WBC USA and WBO NABO middleweight titles.
Elsewhere on the card, Quincey Williams will face Jerome Baxter, Dennis Thompson will face Edwin Rodriguez and Juanma Lopez De Jesus will open the action against Alberto Motos.
Updates will be added below as the action unfolds in Brooklyn, with more live coverage on World Boxing News.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Since 2010, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives and reported in-ring performances. Read the full biography.
Oscar Collazo remained undefeated and won the WBO International flyweight title on Saturday night with a devastating two-round victory over Neider Valdez.
The unified WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine minimumweight champion improved to 15-0 with 12 knockouts after defeating Valdez three times before Mexico’s corner stopped the fight at 2:35 of the second round.
Making his final appearance at 112 pounds, Collazo showed his strength immediately transferred to the upper division, defeating Valdez from the opening bell at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.
The Puerto Rican striker repeatedly found a home for his left hand and left no doubt about the outcome before the fight was called off.
“I felt great at 112 pounds. I love this division. In fact, I want to stay here for a long time,” Collazo said.
Knockdowns
Collazo admitted that he had already called for the fight to be stopped.
“After the third knockdown I was basically saying, ‘Never again, never again’. It was the right decision for his safety. His corner was well checked.
Cris Esqueda | Golden Boy
The victory added another belt to Collazo’s collection and enhanced his growing reputation as one of boxing’s most invigorating champions in the lower weight division.
Looking ahead, Collazo has made it clear who he wants next.
“The fight with Ricardo Sandoval definitely interests me. I really want that fight. I’m ready for gigantic fights. I’m ready to make history. That’s the fight I want next.”
Sandoval currently holds the WBA flyweight title, making this one of the most attractive fights available if Collazo continues his climb in weight.
The event was broadcast live on DAZN and was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in partnership with Miguel Cotto Promotions.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Since 2010, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives and reported on ring performances. Read the full biography.
World Boxing News has archived the biggest boxing results from April 2026, including Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Conor Benn, Tenshin Nasukawa, Alycia Baumgardner, Ben Whittaker, Jarrell Miller and Skye Nicolson.
The month featured major action in the heavyweight division, title fights in multiple divisions, and several notable performances from emerging contenders and established world champions.
Below is the complete archive of WBN’s April 2026 boxing results, including links to fight reports, scorecards and live coverage where available.
April 29
Skye Nicolson defeated Mariah Turner UD
April 25
Jarrell Miller defeated Lenier Pero UD | Report and results
April 18
Ben Whittaker defeated Brian Sanchez KO1 | Scorecard and results
April 17
Alicja Baumgardner defeated Bo Mi Re Shin UD | Report and results
Lani Daniels defeated Shadasia Green TKO9 | Report
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