Dave Allen vs. Filip Hrgovic Set for May 16 in Doncaster

Doncaster, England, UK - Heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic will face Britain’s Dave Allen on May 16 in what could be a dangerous mismatch at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, England, in a bout that brings together two fighters at very different stages of their careers.

The event, co-promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, is expected to stream globally on DAZN, marking a rare collaborative effort between the two promotional rivals.

A Stadium Night for Allen

For Allen 25-8 (20 KOs), the fight represents one of the biggest opportunities of his career—and it comes in front of his home crowd.

The 34-year-old has built a cult following in the UK through his durability, personality, and willingness to take on tough assignments. His recent resurgence has included notable appearances against Johnny Fisher and Arslanbek Makhmudov, along with a quick first-round knockout victory in February.

“This is everything I’ve wanted,” Allen said. “A big fight, at home, in front of my own people.”

Despite his popularity, Allen enters as the heavy underdog—having historically struggled when stepping up against elite-level opposition.

Hrgovic Rebuilding Toward Contention

Hrgovic 19-1 (14 KOs), meanwhile, continues his push back toward world title contention following a stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024.

Since that defeat, the Croatian has steadied his position with consecutive wins over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye—two credible names in the heavyweight mix—reasserting himself as a dangerous, high-output contender.

Known for his relentless pressure, jab-heavy offense, and durability, Hrgovic presents a difficult stylistic challenge for Allen, particularly over the later rounds.

Cross-Promotional Stakes

The bout is notable not only for the matchup itself but also for the collaboration between Queensberry and Matchroom—two promotional entities that rarely align.

Warren, who represents Hrgovic, emphasized the significance of the moment for Allen, stating the Doncaster setting will create a “magical experience” for the hometown fighter.

For Matchroom, the fight also follows Allen’s continued association with the company, reinforcing his role as a reliable and marketable figure on UK cards.

Style and Fight Dynamics

From a stylistic standpoint, the fight presents a classic contrast:

• Allen: Durable, experienced, opportunistic puncher with strong crowd backing
• Hrgovic: Technically disciplined, high-volume operator with elite-level ambition

Hrgovic’s ability to maintain pressure and accumulate damage could prove decisive, while Allen’s path likely depends on disrupting rhythm early and capitalizing on moments.

The Stakes on May 16

For Allen, this is a career-defining opportunity—one that could elevate him into serious contention with a win or see him battered into retirement.

For Hrgovic, it’s about momentum and positioning. Anything less than a convincing victory would stall his climb back toward the heavyweight elite.

On May 16, in front of over 15,000 fans in Doncaster, both men have something significant on the line—one chasing a dream night at home, the other aiming to reassert himself on the world stage.