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David Allen: I boxed Anthony Joshua's head off in sparring

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Dillian Whyte trades verbal blows with David Allen

David Allen sensationally claimed that he outboxed world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on numerous occasions in sparring.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of his intriguing battle with Dillian Whyte in Leeds on Saturday, to be shown live on Sky Sports, the Doncaster fighter confirmed his beliefs that he belongs among the boxing elite.

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The British rivals have traded blows over social media in recent months and finally have the chance to settle their differences in the ring when they battle for the vacant WBC International heavyweight title.

Whyte (17-1 KO14) is renowned for his rivalry with Joshua, who avenged an amateur defeat by stopping his London rival in an epic battle for the British and Commonwealth belts in December before going on to win the IBF world title.

But it was Allen (9-0-1 KO6) who name-checked the 2012 Olympic gold medallist, saying: "I've boxed Joshua's head off on several occasions.

David Allen
Image: Allen gives as good as he gets

"I've sparred all the best heavyweights in the world, Fury, Klitschko and Joshua, and I belong at the top with those guys. Joshua himself even told me that I will be a world champion one day.

"This is the chance I've been waiting for and it's my springboard to bigger things. A man like me needs this platform to showcase my skills and show what I can really do.

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"We've both got the talk and this is a fight that everyone wants to see."

However, Whyte - who goes into the fight as an overwhelming bookmakers' favourite - was not as convinced when discussing the ability of the 'White Rhino'.

The 'Body Snatcher' - who signed with promoter Eddie Hearn following his seventh-round defeat to Joshua - had a few choice words for his younger opponent.

The 28-year-old said: "This guy is deluded, there is not much else we can say. He says he is strong, tough and will outwork me, but he forgets that I carry bricks in both fists.

Dillian Whyte has warned Dave Allen over his comments
Image: Whyte is part of Eddie Hearn's stable of heavyweights

"I didn't want or need this fight, I took it for the fans as they want to see David Allen get beaten up. He brings nothing to the table and does nothing for my career.

"Allen is a bum who fights on the internet. I can't wait to beat him to a pulp and put him on the floor. This guy's not a fighter, he should stick to his day job of being a teacher."

TOTT: Dillian Whyte v David Allen 22/07/2016

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