DAVE ALLEN won’t let Johnny Fisher flush his bog-money swansong down the toilet in their rematch.
Early in the 33-year-old Doncaster lad’s career he battled some of the heavyweight divisions most dangerous men – on short notice and minimal money – while fighting his own gambling addiction.
GettyJohnny Fisher and Dave Allen ahead of their rematch[/caption]
Allen with his partner, who he shares two children with
But – helped by his thrilling Saudi Arabia clash with Fisher in December, his devoted missus and two young children – he is now a settled and sensible landlord, with grand designs on much more success.
Ahead of Saturday’s rerun, the fans’ favourite – who suffered painful losses to Louis Ortiz, Dillian Whyte, David Price and Frazer Clarke – explained: “I’ve lost seven times, so I would be a fool to sit here and say I can’t lose.
“But I’ve lost to an Olympic gold medalist, two Olympic bronze medalists and two world-title challengers, I’ve not lost to mugs.
“Johnny is a good fighter, but I think I am getting better, as mad as that may seem.
“I just sent the missus house shopping and we’re looking for ones with en-suites. I can’t believe it, we’re going to get an en-suite!
“So I need to keep winning and I’m just enjoying my life, I never thought life would be this good and I’d enjoy boxing so much.”
Romford Bull, Fisher, won the Riyadh original on a controversial points decision in an empty and silent Saudi arena.
The rematch is happening in Stratford’s Copper Box where around 7,000 fans will be supporting the 26-year-old Essex puncher.
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But Allen is used to being a road warrior and knows that all that hometown pressure will force Fisher into the sort of slugfest he loves.
Allen said: “I’ve got about 73 people coming down from Doncaster so it’s going to be bouncing in there for me.
“But I’ve boxed everywhere. I boxed Dillian in Leeds, I was s****ing myself when he walked to the ring.
“Tony Yoka in France, they booed me over there, so I’ve seen it all. If Johnny is better than me, he wins, if I’m better than him, I win.
“I’m looking forward to the crowd, the atmosphere and experiencing all of that, but when the bell goes it’s just me and him.”
Fisher and Allen are throwback fighters that Britain can be immensely proud of.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua ruled the land of the giants for over a decade and Kent’s 19-year-old Moses Itauma is the hottest prospect in world boxing.
But these two gentlemen – from opposite ends of the country but the same brilliant mindset – are homegrown local heroes, in the ring and online, and could hit the hat-trick.
Allen – who stopped well short of promising a rapid start – said: “There’s not another fella I would want to do this with, and I want to set up the trilogy.
“But, to do that, I’ve got to win, so I’m very confident of doing that. I’ll come out in the first round and throw three punches.
“I’ll throw six in round two, seven in round three, four in round four then we’ll go to work and throw 12 punches a round.
“We know that, if I hit him, I can hurt him. But he’s a tough fella, a good fighter, he’ll be improved but I’m pretty confident I can do the job.”
ReutersFisher controversially beat Allen on points in Saudi Arabia[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
