Wednesday 17 January 2018 12:02, UK
David Allen admits he is fighting for redemption after receiving a rematch with Commonwealth champion Lenroy Thomas on the undercard for Kell Brook's comeback fight in Sheffield.
The Doncaster heavyweight suffered a split-decision defeat to Thomas in May and is determined to make amends in his second fight with the Jamaican on the same bill as Brook's super-welterweight debut against Sergey Rabchenko at the FlyDSA Arena on March 3, live on Sky Sports.
A back injury prevented Allen from appearing on the Anthony Joshua-Carlos Takam bill in October, but the 25-year-old has returned to fitness and intends to prevent another painful points verdict with a stoppage win.
"I always knew I was going to fight him again at some point," Allen told Sky Sports. "I'm really looking forward to redemption and punching him in the face really. I just cannot wait to get my hands on him.
"I'm really excited about seeing him again. It's not just about beating Lenroy Thomas, I want to pound him into submission. I want to really go to work on him. I want to either take him out in one round, or brutally stop him at some point in the fight for definite."
I'm the same man. I can't change what I am, and what I am is a very hard clown.
Allen has adopted a more disciplined approach to the sport since the Thomas setback, although 'The White Rhino' insists he will retain his light-hearted approach to life outside the ring.
"I'm the same man, I can't change what I am, and what I am is a very hard clown," he said. "I'm a joker. I joke about it, but on March 3 it's all business."
Brook is making his hometown return following his stoppage loss to Errol Spence Jr on the same night as Allen's defeat at Bramall Lane and the fellow Yorkshireman is backing the 'Special One' to make a big impact in his new division.
"I like Kell. It's good to see him back in action at a weight I think is more suitable for him," said Allen.
"I think he will be more successful at super-welterweight and I hope me and Kell can bring more massive shows to Sheffield in the future."
Allen's rematch with Thomas is part of a packed night of action with Gamal Yafai also putting his unbeaten record at stake when he battles Gavin McDonnell for the WBC international super-bantamweight belt.
