Sheffield Arena witnessed a major upset some time ago: the Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov outpointed David Allen to secure the regional WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title. In front of a home crowd, Allen gave his all, but it wasn’t enough as Makhmudov punished him throughout the rounds. As reports from the Matchroom card filtered in, fans wasted no time sharing their viewpoints.

David Allen entered the fight following a successful outing against Johnny Fisher. Their first meeting on the Usyk–Fury 2 undercard resulted in a split-decision loss for Allen. However, putting the past behind him, he knocked out Fisher when they met again five months later. Arslanbek Makhmudov, on the other hand, came through similar circumstances. Two years ago, he suffered his first career loss to the now-interim champion, Agit Kabayel. Later, Guido Vianello inflicted another setback.

Arslanbek Makhmudov wins the belt, David Allen wins the fans

Speaking about the bout, boxing insider Rick Glaser minced no words in slamming Makhmudov. “Makhmudov won, but he’s horrible, slow, sloppy, holds, & simply can’t fight,” he said. His criticism primarily centered on Makhmudov’s callout of Anthony Joshua, the former unified champion who is currently searching for a new dance partner.

“As shot & chinny as Anthony Joshua is, he’d still beat Makhmudov,” Glaser said before adding, “If you want to know an easy, very good description of Dave Allen, he’s a loveable loser. That’s his level & popularity.” and that sounds quite true.

Over ten thousand spectators gathered at Sheffield Arena, also known as the Utilita Arena. To motivate their hometown fighter, they sang in unison, “There’s only one Dave Allen!” A spinoff of the legendary chant once dedicated to the late Ricky Hatton.

Let’s take a look at how some users reacted after hearing the news.

Fans sound off after Makhmudov beats Allen

One fan found a striking resemblance between Makhmudov and former interim heavyweight champion Joe Joyce: “Shades of Joe Joyce in Makhmudov. Lots of punching but slow and ponderous...” Considering how Joyce’s career has recently spiraled downward, one only hopes the same doesn’t happen to Makhmudov.

Another fan took the opportunity to share some harsh truths: “Dave just wasn’t active enough. And Makhmudov has gotten better since his fight with Agit.” That, however, may be questionable. With three fights last year and two in 2025, Allen has been fairly active. Likewise, after Kabayel, Makhmudov suffered a loss to Italian Guido Vianello. The eight-round TKO defeat raised doubts about his continuity — doubts that, thankfully, should now be dispelled after tonight’s win.

A die-hard fan decided to take some potshots at the armchair critics. Allen entered the bout as the favorite. “Always knew Makhmudov would win, and everyone thought Dave Allen was the next Muhammad Ali after beating Johnny Fisher. He’s too inactive and doesn’t move his head enough,” the fan said. Though one of his nicknames is Doncaster De La Hoya, it’s doubtful anyone truly compares Allen to Ali. Still, his fighting style could use a closer review.

Another user pointed out Allen’s shortcomings, saying, “Lots of holding by the big Russian, but the fact is Dave wasn’t up to it.” Like Tyson Fury, Makhmudov uses his size and weight to tie opponents down in clinches. Allen should have tried to get his hands inside the Russian’s arms. Once he had inside control, he could have pushed off Makhmudov’s chest or biceps to create space.

Still, David Allen’s performance left a few impressed. As one fan said, “Allen can leave that fight with his head very high, as that guy gave absolutely everything until the very last second. What a bloke.” Considering that he’s only 33 and possesses a crowd-pleasing style, Allen should return to the ring soon.

Clearly, Arslanbek Makhmudov may have put his career back on track.

Unlike Allen, he remains outside the heavyweight division’s top-15 rankings. This win should potentially propel him back into the mix — and that could help him secure better opportunities. However, he may still need to refine his fighting style. A rematch with Allen or another ranked contender might not produce the same result.

Do you think David Allen can set the record straight if he meets Arslanbek Makhmudov again?