A brighter path opens up for the Doncaster De Lay Hoya

After 13 years as a ring maverick, Dave Allen will top the bill on Saturday in a heavyweight bout at the Sheffield Arena

- STEVE BUNCE

Dave Allen is one of boxing’s genuine mavericks.

Allen has been earning a living from the ring since turning professional and fighting in four-round obscurity back in 2012. There has never been a clear path for the man from Doncaster, never been a definitive light at the end of any tunnel; he has a fight, has another fight, and, win or lose, he just keeps going. Then, months after being touted as a danger in the division, he vanishes, and the rumours start.

So far, he has fought 33 times, winning 24, losing seven and drawing twice. He has been matched very hard at times, and then at other times he has won three or four on the bounce against journeymen from boxing's lost nations. There often seems to be no direction to Allen's career.

In October, after 13 years as a professional boxer, he is the main attraction at the Sheffield Arena when he fights the latest Russian boxing beast, Arslanbek Makhmudov. There was a time, not long ago, when Makhmudov was considered the most dangerous heavyweight in the sport.

“Naseem Hamed, Kell Brook and now Dave Allen topping the bill at the Sheffield Arena,” said Allen. “It’s hard to believe.” It might seem strange that a man without a title, with seven losses, who less than a year ago looked like he was out in the boxing wilderness, is the main attraction on a big night at a big venue. Well, that is just part of Allen's appeal.