Dave Allen will test his late-career revival against Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 October at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, Matchroom confirmed. The heavyweight clash streams live worldwide on DAZN.
Allen, 33, reignited his fortunes in May with a fifth-round knockout of Johnny Fisher, avenging their controversial draw last December and earning a multi-fight pact with Eddie Hearn. Hopes of bouts with Deontay Wilder, Joseph Parker or for the vacant British title did not materialise, but the Doncaster favourite accepted the danger posed by Makhmudov. Once touted as a future contender, the 36-year-old Russian puncher (20-2, 19 KOs) lost momentum after stoppage defeats to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello, yet remains a formidable early-round threat, most recently blasting out Ricardo Brown in one.
“I’m buzzing to headline practically in my backyard,” said Allen (24-7, 19 KOs). “Makhmudov looks the part, has good wins and a high ranking. Beating him puts me back on the world stage - one last shot at the big time.”
Watch Fisher vs. Allen 2 highlights: Watch
In the co-main event, Josh Padley will meet Reece Bellotti , as he looks to make a statement in his junior lightweight debut.
Bellotti (20-6, 15 KOs) enters the bout following a stoppage defeat in the final round of his European title fight with Ryan Garner. Although the 35-year-old lost his British and Commonwealth belts, his effort and willingness to fight to the end showed that his spirit remains intact. Padley recognizes that the veteran remains a dangerous opponent. “He's no pushover, Reece, and he comes time and time again,” Padley said. “Within the fight, he's not going to be giving you any room whatsoever. That's his style.”
Padley (16-1, 5 KOs) has built a reputation as a hardworking fighter unafraid of big challenges. After upsetting Mark Chamberlain at Wembley Stadium in 2024 and later stepping in on short notice to face Shakur Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title, Padley earned both respect and a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing. The new partnership allows him to focus solely on boxing after balancing his career with work as an electrician.
Fight card:
▪️David Allen vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov, 12 rounds, heavyweight
▪️Josh Padley vs. Reece Bellotti, 10 rounds, super featherweight
▪️Junaid Bostan vs. Bilal Fawaz, 10 rounds, for the vacant BBBofC English super welterweight title
▪️Hamza Uddin vs. Paul Roberts, 10 rounds, flyweight
▪️Ibraheem Sulaimaan vs. James Chereji, 8 rounds, super featherweight
▪️Conner Tudsbury vs. Khalid Graidia, 6 rounds, light heavyweight
▪️Joe Howarth vs. Kane Baker, 6 rounds, lightweight
▪️Joe Hayden vs. Angelo Dragone, 6 rounds, welterweight
Watch the press conference live here: Watch
