Dave Allen made a stunning return to the ring on Saturday night, demolishing French journeyman Karim Berredjem in just 57 seconds.
The heavyweight fan favourite wasted absolutely no time in Nottingham, flooring his opponent within 10 seconds courtesy of a thunderous right hand.
Berredjem somehow managed to get back up, but Allen wasn’t about to let him recover.
The 33-year-old kept the pressure on relentlessly, refusing to give his opponent a moment’s respite before unleashing another devastating overhand shot to end proceedings.
Dave Allen paid tribute to Eddie Hearn after his victory following a tough couple of days for the promoter
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It was exactly the emphatic statement Allen had promised ahead of the Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington undercard bout.
Speaking after his dominant display, Allen was refreshingly honest about his approach to the fight.
“I knew I was a level or two above this, but I had a comeback, I took it, and I said to Eddie [Hearn], I’m just going to let my shots go,” he explained.
It has been a tough week for Hearn, who saw one of his prized fighters in Conor Benn ditch him for Dana White’s Zuffa label despite all the support the Matchroom chief has given him, particularly over a drugs scandal that threatened to end his career.
Eddie Hearn admitted he felt “betrayed” by Conor Benn after the boxer left his label
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But Allen paid tribute to Hearn, adding: “I have commitment issues, not to this guy [Eddie Hearn] though.
“This man will get me whatever I want; it is up to me how far I go, and it always has been up to me.”
The Doncaster man has always possessed serious power, but admits he’s struggled to fully commit to his punches in the past.
“I can hurt anyone in the division, but I’ve had a problem with letting my hands go,” Allen said.
“So tonight, I thought, while I have the chance, let’s knock someone out as quickly as we can.”
The victory takes Allen’s professional record to 25-8-2, coming just four months after his eighth career loss to Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Dave Allen finished off his opponent in less than a minute
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Remarkably, the 33-year-old has never claimed a regional title in his professional career, but he’s determined to change that this year with the British heavyweight belt firmly in his sights.
“I believe I can go even further [than a British title],” Allen added.
He praised the electric Nottingham atmosphere and expressed gratitude for still being able to entertain crowds.
In comes the towel, Dave Allen gets the first round victory to return to winning ways 👏 @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/lMgzIvRs0d
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) February 21, 2026
True to form, Allen signed off with a cheeky message: “And giving all you fatties out there some hope.”