Dave Allen responds to reports he could face Joe Joyce on a Matchroom vs Queensberry card

Dave Allen has provided an update on the rumours that he could be set to collide with Joe Joyce on the latest edition of a Queensberry vs Matchroom event.

Allen has lost in recent step-ups against Arslanbek Makhmudov and Filip Hrgovic, stating that he may choose to pursue British honours following defeat to the latter, but ‘The White Rhino’ is keen for activity and is currently scheduled for two quick fire outings.

On June 20, Allen takes on Belarusian journeyman Viktar Chvarkou in a four-round affair at The Magna Centre, Rotherham, and on July 25, Allen will also appear at the Doncaster Dome, for a third outing in as many months.

The 34-year-old is then expected to participate in a higher profile bout in the autumn, leading to suggestions that he could appear on a ‘Queensberry vs Matchroom 2’ bill, which is being touted for a similar date.

However, speaking on his TikTok account, Allen shut down rumours that he will fight on the bill or face Olympic silver medallist Joyce, instead revealing that he has held talks for a different opponent ‘on a big card’.

“No one has mentioned it to me. I have got a lot of respect for Joe, we go back a very long way from when we first sparred in 2012, probably June or July. [He is] an incredible fighter at his best, really, really good. 

“There is no truth in me and him boxing, no one has mentioned anything to me regarding it. A big fight has been mentioned to me, on a big card, but it is not on a ‘7 vs. 7’ or [against] Joe Joyce.”

Other whispers suggest that Allen could take on Irish heavyweight Thomas Carty, 11-1 (9 KOs), on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s long-awaited career finale at Croke Park against France’s Flora Pili on Saturday, September 5.

The main event will be for the vacant WBC super-lightweight world title and subsequently, the undisputed throne – as Taylor possesses the remaining three titles – after Sandy Ryan was downgraded to WBC ‘champion-in-recess’ due to falling pregnant.