WORLD Heavyweight Boxing
Dublin, Ireland - Veteran campaigner Dave Allen 26-9-2 (20 KOs) will face Ireland's Thomas Carty 11-1 (9 KOs) in a heavyweight showdown on September 5 at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. The matchup was officially confirmed as part of the event announcement on Tuesday.

While neither man currently figures among the world's leading heavyweight contenders, the contest presents an important opportunity for both fighters to reposition themselves in the division.
Allen enters the bout as the more accomplished professional, having shared the ring with a long list of world-class heavyweights during his career, including Filip Hrgović, Dillian Whyte, Luis Ortiz, David Price and Johnny Fisher. Known for his durability and willingness to face dangerous opposition, "The White Rhino" remains one of Britain's most recognizable heavyweights.
Carty, meanwhile, will enjoy home support in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd at Croke Park. The Dublin native is looking to rebuild momentum following the lone defeat of his professional career and now receives the biggest opportunity of his career against a seasoned veteran.
Although the bout is unlikely to have an immediate impact on the world rankings, it carries genuine significance for both fighters. A convincing victory for Allen would reaffirm his status as a dangerous domestic-level heavyweight capable of spoiling younger prospects, while a win for Carty would represent the most recognizable name on his résumé and could open the door to higher-profile opportunities.
The matchup also provides an intriguing contrast in experience versus freshness. Allen has accumulated considerable mileage through years of competing against elite opposition, while Carty enters with considerably fewer professional rounds and the advantage of youth.
Promoter Eddie Hearn described the contest as a "make-or-break" heavyweight fight as part of what promises to be one of the biggest nights in recent Irish boxing history.
For Allen, another defeat would likely make it increasingly difficult to secure meaningful fights at this stage of his career. For Carty, victory over a respected and battle-tested veteran would mark the biggest breakthrough of his professional journey.
While the winner is unlikely to vault into the upper reaches of the heavyweight rankings, both men understand that a standout performance on one of the year's biggest boxing stages could prove invaluable as they pursue the next chapter of their careers.