Dave Allen wants Andy Ruiz in Sheffield in 2027: "I'm going to punch him really hard"

The Doncaster heavyweight, who has said he would retire after a Ruiz fight, made his pitch ringside at Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace in Birmingham.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Sat 3 Oct, 18:53 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Dave Allen speaking to DAZN ringside at Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace in Birmingham — DAZN

Dave Allen has named the place and the year for the Andy Ruiz fight he wants: Sheffield, 2027.

"Ruiz can happen. It can happen. I hope it will happen," Allen told DAZN ringside at Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace in Birmingham on Saturday. "Some people say not that level. Well, one night in Sheffield, 2027. Bring Andy over. I'm going to punch him really hard. I'm going to turn him over."

Allen added: "I've been training for the last four weeks. I've lost three pounds in four weeks. Come on. Bring Ruiz over here. I'm going to do him in."

Allen said last month that talks with Ruiz were progressing and that he intends to retire after the fight if it happens. He has boxed five times this year, losing to now-IBF world champion Filip Hrgovic at Doncaster Rovers' stadium, and his co-main event on the Katie Taylor bill at Croke Park ended in a no-contest.

Ruiz, the former unified heavyweight world champion, returned from two years out in September and lost to Damian Knyba, the third defeat of his career. He is signed with Matchroom.