Dave Allen Retires After Nine Rounds Against David Price

The O2 Arena in London became the stage for career redemption on July 20, 2019, as David Price delivered one of the most complete performances of his turbulent professional career, systematically breaking down fan favourite Dave Allen over ten punishing rounds before Allen's corner was forced to retire their battered fighter. In what many observers viewed as a make-or-break contest for both heavyweights, the towering Liverpudlian showcased the boxing ability that once made him one of Britain's most promising prospects, utilizing his significant height and reach advantages to devastating effect against the shorter, come-forward Allen. The victory marked a crucial turning point for Price, who had endured a series of devastating knockout defeats that threatened to derail his career permanently. Meanwhile, Allen's brave but ultimately futile effort demonstrated the heart that had made him one of boxing's most beloved characters despite his limited technical abilities.

Allen entered the contest riding the momentum of his career-best victory over former WBA heavyweight champion Lucas Browne just three months earlier. This shocking third-round knockout had significantly elevated his profile and earned him considerable credibility within the heavyweight division. Known as "The White Rhino" for his aggressive, all-action fighting style, Allen represented the type of opponent that had historically troubled Price throughout his professional career—a durable, hard-hitting fighter willing to absorb punishment to land his own shots. The Doncaster native's record of 17-4-2 with 14 knockouts reflected his reputation as a dangerous puncher who had never been in a boring fight. At the same time, his previous defeats to elite-level opposition like Luis Ortiz and Tony Yoka had come only after competitive efforts that enhanced rather than diminished his standing within the sport.

Price's physical advantages proved decisive from the opening bell, as the 6'8" former Olympic bronze medalist used his considerable reach and height to establish dominance with a consistent jab while keeping the shorter Allen at a distance. The technical superiority that had once made Price one of amateur boxing's elite performers was on full display as he consistently beat Allen to the punch with sharp combinations while moving laterally to avoid return fire. Allen's typical aggressive approach, which had served him well against shorter opponents, proved ineffective against Price's superior boxing skills and physical attributes, as the Liverpudlian consistently found home with his jab while landing heavy right hands over Allen's guard throughout the early rounds.

As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, Price's sustained attack began to take its toll on Allen's durability and mobility, with visible swelling and cuts beginning to affect the shorter fighter's vision and offensive capabilities. The accumulation of punishment was evident as Allen's work rate decreased significantly while Price maintained his technical discipline and continued to land clean shots with increasing frequency. Allen's corner, led by trainer Jamie Moore, became increasingly concerned about their fighter's deteriorating condition as Price's jab opened cuts around both eyes, and his power shots began to visibly stagger the game but outgunned the challenger.

The defining characteristic of Price's performance was his ability to maintain his boxing discipline throughout the contest, avoiding the late-round collapses that had plagued his previous efforts against quality opposition. Unlike his devastating defeats to Tony Thompson and Erkan Teper, where Price had faded badly in the later rounds, the Liverpudlian showed improved conditioning and mental fortitude that allowed him to finish strongly against Allen's diminishing resistance. By the championship rounds, Allen was absorbing tremendous punishment while offering little in return, his face badly swollen and cut as Price continued to land clean shots with impunity.

The end came after ten complete rounds when Allen's corner, recognizing that their fighter was taking unnecessary punishment with no realistic chance of turning the tide, made the difficult decision to retire their man before the start of the eleventh round. Allen, whose eye injuries had become severe enough to impair his vision significantly, initially expressed disappointment at the stoppage but later acknowledged that continuing would have been dangerous given his condition. The victory improved Price's record to 25-6 with 20 knockouts, while Allen dropped to 17-5-2 with 14 knockouts in what represented a significant setback for the popular heavyweight. The aftermath saw both fighters taking different paths, with Price using the momentum to rebuild his career. At the same time, Allen initially contemplated retirement before eventually returning to action eight months later with a third-round stoppage of Dorian Darch in Sheffield.