Dave Allen expects Sheffield fight with Anthony Joshua conqueror Andy Ruiz Jr
Dave Allen says the fight with Andy Ruiz Jr, who share Matchroom as promoter, will depend on him proving he can get himself into the best possible shape.
Dave Allen believes he will fight Andy Ruiz Jr in Sheffield next year, saying the heavyweight bout is likely to take place in March or April.
Allen said: “I think I am going to box Andy Ruiz next year.” He added that the fight would come only on condition that he shows he can get into the best shape possible, and said it was likely to happen after a conversation with Matchroom's Frank Smith: “I was talking to [Matchroom's] Frank Smith earlier so I think it will happen.” Matchroom promotes both fighters. The 34-year-old Allen has had a mixed 13 months, losing a wide decision to Arslanbek Makhmudov, being stopped in three rounds by Filip Hrgovic and fighting to a one-round no contest with Thomas Carty, alongside two wins. His record stands at 27-9-2 (20 KOs), with one no contest.
Ruiz, 37, is 35-3-1 (22 KOs). Since beating Anthony Joshua in 2019, he has fought infrequently and struggled with his conditioning. He returned from his latest break in September and lost a 12-round points decision to Damian Knyba.
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