David Allen’s Sheffield headline ends in tough Makhmudov defeat

David Allen’s Sheffield headline fight: a night of highs and lows

British heavyweight David Allen’s highly anticipated headline bout at Sheffield Arena ended in a unanimous points defeat to Russian powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov. Despite the loss, Allen’s return to the ring after a five-year hiatus showcased his resilience and determination in front of a roaring crowd of 9,000 passionate South Yorkshire supporters.

The judges scored the fight 115-111, 117-109, and 116-110 all in favour of Makhmudov, underscoring the challenge Allen faced against one of the division’s most feared contenders. For Allen, this was not just another fight but a long-awaited moment to lead a major event in his hometown, a night that blended emotion, grit, and sport at its finest.

The fight breakdown: how the battle unfolded

Arslanbek Makhmudov entered the ring with a fearsome record: 20 wins with 19 knockouts and only two losses. His reputation as a heavy hitter made him the toughest opponent Allen has faced in his career. From the opening rounds, Makhmudov’s power was evident, forcing Allen to absorb punishing blows and stay on the back foot.

Allen, determined not to disappoint his home crowd, responded with fierce body shots and tactical aggression. Notably, in the fifth round, Allen landed a significant body shot followed by a right uppercut, signalling his intent to challenge the Russian’s dominance. The ninth round saw Allen spark again with a sharp overhand right, but Makhmudov’s durability kept him steady.

The closing rounds intensified as Makhmudov was penalised twice for holding, resulting in point deductions. This moment, amplified by the crowd’s fervent support, gave Allen encouragement to push even harder. He landed a powerful right hook in the final round, but the deficit on points was too great to overcome.

David Allen’s career journey: from setbacks to comebacks

Allen’s career has been marked by resilience. After suffering a stoppage loss to David Price in 2019, which left him stretchered out of the ring, Allen retired in 2020. During his hiatus, he shifted focus to coaching promising talents like Joe Hayden and Joe Howarth, both of whom earned wins on the same Sheffield undercard.

However, Allen’s passion for boxing never waned. He made a low-key return to the sport, fighting in smaller venues to rebuild his form. His subsequent bouts included a loss to Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke, which he accepted graciously, and a breakthrough knockout win over undefeated heavyweight Johnny Fisher in a sold-out Copper Box Arena event in May 2025. This win reignited his career and fan support.

What’s next for David Allen after the Sheffield loss?

Despite the setback, Allen is arguably in the strongest position of his career, with one fight still remaining on his Matchroom contract. While speculation about a bout with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has cooled, Allen’s ambition to claim the British heavyweight title remains alive.

Before the Sheffield fight, Allen was close to securing a British title shot against Jeamie TKV. However, TKV will now face Frazer Clarke in a bout televised live on the BBC on 25 October, postponing Allen’s title hopes. Post-fight, Allen expressed his resolve: “They wanted to pull me out with two rounds to go. I’ve never been down. I had to see the final bell for this crowd. I just wasn’t good enough and that hurts a little bit. I’ll try for the British title.”

Undercard highlights: Josh Padley’s unanimous victory

The Sheffield event also featured standout performances on the undercard, including home favourite Josh Padley’s unanimous points win over Reece Bellotti. Padley, a former electrician from Doncaster, has risen rapidly through the ranks after impressing in a stoppage loss to WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson on just four days' notice.

Padley’s sharp footwork and stamina enabled him to control the fight against the experienced Bellotti, improving his record to 16-1. His progress reflects the depth of boxing talent emerging in the UK, a theme also explored in our Exploring the top sports in the UK from football to darts feature.

Boxing’s growing profile in the UK and Sheffield’s role

Sheffield Arena has become a key venue for British boxing, hosting several memorable fights including Allen’s previous five appearances. The city’s strong sporting culture continues to nurture talent and attract major bouts, contributing to the wider resurgence of boxing in the UK.

Events like Allen’s headline night not only bring communities together but also highlight the sport’s ability to inspire and entertain. For fans keen on following boxing’s evolving landscape, our coverage of other major sports events such as the Aryna Sabalenka retains US Open women’s singles title in thrilling final offers a glimpse into the diverse sporting excitement across the nation.

Conclusion: resilience and future aspirations for David Allen

David Allen’s Sheffield headline fight, though ending in defeat, was a testament to his fighting spirit and connection with fans. His journey from retirement back to the ring, combined with his determination to claim the British heavyweight title, ensures that his story is far from over.

As Allen looks ahead, the boxing community and fans alike will be watching closely to see if the ‘White Rhino’ can turn this setback into a springboard for future success. Meanwhile, Sheffield remains a vibrant hub for boxing and sport, continuing to foster talent and deliver thrilling moments inside and outside the ring.