Filip Hrgovic turned Dave Allen’s homecoming dream into a beat down as the Brit was pulled out by his corner.
Heavyweight cult hero Allen was looking to pull off a huge upset at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster on Saturday night. But he was dominated from start to premature finish as Hrgovic set himself up for a fight with rising star Moses Itauma.
Allen looked to land his looping right hand fom the opening bell, but Hrgovic quickly established his jab and followed them up with his own cuffing rights. Hrgovic had the home favourite pinned against the ropes in the second round as he landed at will.
The Croatian was toying with Allen with only the Brit’s chin keeping him up. He did drop to the canvas in the third but the referee ruled it a slip. But the punishment was relentless and trainer Jamie Moore threw in the towel – much to Allen’s disgust.
“Sorry guys, I know I’m not the favourite guy here but it is what it is, this is boxing,” said Hrgovic. “I was connecting with all my punches, he was very open from the beginning so I wanted to finish him fast and make a statement.”
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A defeated Allen added: “Jamie is like my big brother, I love him to death. I said I would never go anywhere else, no matter what happens. If they say enough is enough then that’s the right choice. Doncaster is my home, I’m Doncaster through and through.
“I got absolutely hammered but people have stayed till the end. I’m not the best fighter in the world; I’m a good fighter but I’m not a great fighter, but these people have given me the career of a world champion.”
More to follow…