Charles says Allen’s lighter weight, pressure, and body attack could break Filip Hrgovic down in Doncaster
Trainer Don Charles believes Dave Allen can pull off one of the heavyweight division’s biggest upsets this year by stopping Filip Hrgovic in Doncaster on Saturday night. Charles pointed to Allen’s lighter weight, pressure style, and body attack as the keys to breaking Hrgovic down over the later rounds.
“I 100% in my whole heart I’m picking Dave Allen for a stoppage,” Charles said to talkSport Boxing.
Charles believes Allen must attack Hrgovic differently than he did against Arslanbek Makhmudov earlier this year.
“Second phase attack, potentially a third phase sustained attack,” Charles said.
“Provided he’s got the engine to do phase one, phase two, potentially phase three attack before disengaging.”
Charles also pointed to what he believes is a weakness in Hrgovic’s body defense.
“Hrgovic is soft around the stomach area,” Charles said.
“Leave his head alone because that man can take punches. He’s tough.”
The veteran trainer also warned Allen against allowing Hrgovic periods of rest during the fight.
“Dave has to set a hot pace,” Charles said.
“He can’t be lazy.”
Charles later discussed Hrgovic’s history of suffering cuts during fights.
“Hrgovic by the way does cut up really, really badly,” Charles said.
Allen heads into the fight after recent victories revived his heavyweight career. The Doncaster heavyweight has also appeared noticeably lighter physically ahead of Saturday’s fight.
“Dave Allen has trimmed down in weight,” Spencer Oliver said.
“What does that tell you? He is gonna go phase one, phase two.”
Oliver also said Allen’s conditioning could become a major factor if he is able to drag Hrgovic into a difficult fight over the second half.
“It’s a very tough ask against a world-class operator,” Oliver said.
“Is it winnable? Of course.”
Simon Jordan also reacted to Charles’ prediction during the discussion.
“I’m going to replay it back to you next time you come in the studio,” Jordan said after Charles predicted an Allen stoppage victory.
Allen is still viewed as a significant betting underdog heading into the contest, with most bookmakers listing Hrgovic as a heavy favorite.
Charles, however, believes Allen is capable of producing one of the heavyweight division’s biggest upsets of the year.
“Dave is better than his record,” Charles said.
“He’s good enough.”
Fans on X also reacted to Allen’s lighter appearance at Friday’s weigh-in. Allen came in at 248.8 pounds, down significantly from the 271 pounds he weighed for his February fight against Karim Berredjem.
Hrgovic weighed 248 1/4 pounds, close to his usual fighting weight.
