From friends to foes – Johnny Fisher and David Allen throw hands December 21st

Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen have several things in common.

Both are natives of the United Kingdom and migrated to boxing as a career. They make their living in the heavyweight division.

Allen’s career started hot. He was undefeated in his first 10 fights. Fisher is sitting at 12-0. Both fighters are likable.

The former prospect and the present one are fighting on December 21 as part of the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk – Tyson Fury rematch.

They met years ago while sparring. Allen was preparing to fight Lucas Browne, while Fisher was a novice fighter.

Fisher remembers,” We sparred five years ago when I was 19 or 20 years old and he gave me a bit of a pasting, if I’m being honest. But I knew that day when I walked out of that gym that I’ve got the minerals it takes to be a heavyweight boxer.”

Fisher and Allen became friends. They followed each other’s careers. Allen was riding high after stopping Browne. The streak ended when he lost successive fights to Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz. Allen’s career has been a rollercoaster of additional losses and temporary retirement since losing to Whyte.

Allen made bids for the Commonwealth heavyweight title but came up short. Last year, he lost to then-prospect Frazier Clarke. Allen has won both his 2024 fights against lessor competition.

He’s aware of the importance of his fight against Fisher.

“This is my last chance really,” said Allen to www.boxingscene.com a couple of days ago. “I’ve said that about eight times, but I think this might actually be the last one. I’m stubborn. That’s what I am, really. There’s nothing really special about me at all. I’m not fast. I don’t punch that hard, but I’m just stubborn.”

Stubborn or not, Allen is tough. He’s blessed with a rock-iron chin.

Fisher is preparing for the best of Allen, whatever that is.

“I’ve got to fight the best Dave Allen that’s ever turned up,” said Fisher on Boxing Social. “That’s what we want. You want to beat the best version of Dave Allen.”

Fisher is a big man with a big punch. He’s also awkward and can look amateurish. Though he’s only fought 12 times, Fisher has built up a mass following.

“He’s the guy next door,” commented promoter Eddie Hearn. “Down-to-earth. Comes from a good family. He’s funny.”

Fisher’s last fight lasted 36 seconds. Allen remains unfazed.

“It’s a fight I wouldn’t have taken if I didn’t think I could win,” Allen said last month. “It depends how good Johnny Fisher is. If he is really, really, really good, I’m probably in trouble. But if he’s not, I’m just the guy to beat him.”

Fisher answered Allen’s comments honestly.

“I don’t know if I’m really, really, really good,” said Fisher, “but I’m all right, and I can punch, and I train hard, and I’m fit, and I’m strong. I’ve got to be all those things to beat Dave Allen.

“He might be my mate, but when it comes to the 21st of December, I’m going to give it 110 percent, and I’m sure he’ll be doing the same.”