Arslanbek Makhmudov rained on Dave Allen’s homecoming parade with a dominant display in Yorkshire.
Allen was looking to continue his surge in form as he searched for a career-best victory over bear-wrestling Russian giant Makhmudov in Sheffield.
Allen was ultimately outclassed in a rip-roaring homecoming in Yorkshire, as he was tamed by ‘The Lion’
It was a glittering atmosphere as fans came out in their thousands to cheer on the cult hero Brit, who had stated his claim to a fight with Deontay Wilder if he tasted victory.
Makhmudov was also gunning for victory on foreign soil, as he looked to put his name back into the mix after two disappointing defeats in his last four outings.
Allen was roared on in a crackling atmosphere in Yorkshire, but it was Makhmudov who showed his class throughout the contest.
And despite being deducted two points, the Russian ultimately cruised to victory and spoilt the homecoming party.
The scorecards read 116-110, 115-111, and 117-109 in favour of the giant, who boxed well and was the deserved winner.
Allen showed huge respect for his brave rival and applauded his efforts, and it wasn’t to be for the British fan-favourite.
And he defiantly insisted he has more to give to the sport during his post-fight interview.
He said: “The top and bottom is I am not good enough.
“He is like top 20 in the world, I am not. Simple as that, really.
“He was too big and too good. I was fit and I trained hard, just not good enough.
Makhmudov was the brighter in the opening stages and throughout, taming a boisturous atmosphere
“That’s alright. It is a bitter pill to swallow, I have had to swallow it eight times.
“You get used to it, just ain’t good enough. But I will be back, how can I not be after that?”
What happened during Allen vs Makhmudov?
It was a lively opener, with the raucous crowd determined to roar Allen on, even getting excited over an early trip from the Russian.
Makhmudov looked to tee up the right hand early on, with the Modzok native starting brightly and imposing his giant frame on Allen as he dominated from centre ring.
A flurry of big shots opened the second stanza from the Russian as he started to look on top, but a late flourish from Allen including a whipping body shot drew the crowd back into proceedings.
Allen came up short and will rue a missed opportunity, while Makhmudov entered his name into the mix
The giant levers of Makhmudov were proving a real problem for Allen as the giant dipped in and out of range, and although Allen carried threat, he was struggling to make a dent in the trundling behemoth.
It was the Russian in the ascendency, but Allen started to come into the contest in the fifth, with a neck-jerking uppercut the highlight of his most eye-catching body of work so far.
But still the away fighter boxed with rhythm and composure, and he found himself with a comfortable cushion going beyond the midway point.
Makhmudov was in control but was deducted a point in the seventh for persistent holding by referee Steve Gray.
Allen was closing in on stoppage or bust territory with four rounds to go, as the rounds passed him by with little activity of note and Makhmudov doing enough on the back foot.
A ferocious barrage of punches from the Briton in the ninth drew huge cheers from the crowd, as Makhmudov looked to be struggling for the first time in the bout, as he unloaded with the Russian on the ropes.
It was the best moment of the fight for the home favourite, but the pace slowed with Allen now also looking fatigued as the closing stages drew in.
The chances of a fairytale homecoming faded for Allen, despite the Russian being deducted a second point in the final period for a repeat holding offence.
But ultimately it wasn’t enough as Allen left the ring a warrior again, but simply outclassed on the night.
