David Allen vows to 'take things seriously' ahead of low-profile return
Friday 21 July 2017 16:06, UK
David Allen believes he is approaching his "last chance" to keep his career on track.
The Yorkshire heavyweight was out-pointed by Lenroy Thomas in a Commonwealth title fight in May, attracting criticism of his dedication from promoter Eddie Hearn.
I have to win Saturday, and keep winning. I can't afford any more losses or slip-ups.
Allen (11-3-1) makes a low-profile return this Saturday against Tom Dallas at the Brentwood Centre, and vows to shelve the colourful build-up that has become a trademark.
"There's a time and a place to be me, and there's a time and a place to take things seriously," Allen exclusively told Sky Sports.
"I do believe this is my last chance, with boxing in general. I have to win Saturday, and keep winning. I can't afford any more losses or slip-ups.
"It's not the same, this time. I'll just go down on the day to fight, without a weigh-in. It's good because I usually like to put on a show during the press conferences and weigh-ins. I see this as an entertainment business.
"People told me that I've got the ability but I'm throwing it away. I've been told to rein it in. Everyone wants me to be David Allen the fighter, not David Allen the joke, so I'll be toning things down. Fighting on small shows gives me the opportunity to do so, so that's the main reason I'm doing it.
"Tom Dallas gives me the chance to box in a competitive environment because I haven't had many fights. I'm going back a few steps to get a learning experience. I won't be trying to blast him out quickly.
"I'm not sure what to expect from Brentwood but I've had a few offers to go out into lovely Essex afterwards. I won't be taking them up - it's not really my scene."
Allen is targeting a rematch against Thomas after revamping his training full-time in Leeds having left behind the make-shift gym he called 'Shed Amateur Boxing Club' - "People only like those things when you're winning," he said, "but when I lose they say: why is he training in a shed?"
He continued: "We're all hoping for a rematch with Thomas. I'd been into the deep end with Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz and I thought that gave me the right to just turn up and beat Thomas.
"It was unprofessional to have that mind-set so I'd like a second chance to redeem myself. I've got all the respect in the world for Lenroy because he proved me wrong."
