Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen II: Full Preview, Analysis, and Prediction

London, UK - This Saturday at the Copper Box Arena in London we get a grudge match that remains unresolved in the eyes of many: Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen II. Their first meeting in Saudi Arabia ended in controversy, with Fisher awarded a disputed decision that left boxing fans divided. Now, under the bright lights once again, both men return with something to prove.

The stakes are simple: for Fisher, it’s about legitimacy. For Allen, it might be his last shot.

The First Fight: Controversy in the Desert

The initial clash saw Fisher enter as the rising star, backed by promoter Eddie Hearn and a robust following from Essex. Allen, the rugged veteran, was brought in as a step-up test. But what unfolded was anything but straightforward.

Fisher began fast, perhaps too fast, throwing an excess of punches in the early rounds. He looked overeager, maybe trying to impress the crowd or earn Allen’s respect. Meanwhile, Allen weathered the storm and began having his moments in the mid to late rounds, including dropping Fisher with a left hook in close. Many ringside observers felt Allen did enough to win or at least earn a draw.

Instead, the scorecards gave it to Fisher.

What Needs to Change for Fisher

Fisher must learn from the chaos of their first encounter. He’s younger, more athletic, and should have the tools to box at range and control the pace. But he needs to temper his output. Throwing too many punches early drained him and gave Allen openings. Smart tactical clinching, better distance control, and pacing will be key.

Importantly, Fisher needs to accept that he’s not going to intimidate Allen with power alone. Allen has shared the ring with some of the division’s most dangerous punchers: Luis Ortiz, David Price, Dillian Whyte, and even sparred with the likes of Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua. He’s seen it all. Fisher won’t scare him. But he can frustrate him.

Allen is most dangerous inside. He thrives in the trenches, where his experience and sneaky shots can rattle a young fighter. Fisher needs to be prepared to tie up when needed, avoid getting dragged into a brawl, and dictate the fight on his terms.

What Allen Must Do

Allen, 33, is a seasoned, tough competitor with a granite chin and an underrated boxing brain. But the question remains: does he have anything left?

If Allen is to win this, he needs to get close and stay there. His clubbing punches and mauling tactics were effective last time, and Fisher showed vulnerability under that pressure. Allen will look to make the younger man uncomfortable, disrupt his rhythm, and rough him up on the inside.

But there's always the issue of Allen's preparation. Before every fight, he says the camp was great. Afterward, win or lose, the story often changes. It's hard to trust his consistency. Against a younger, more energetic opponent, conditioning will be crucial.

Prediction

This is a fight that could once again go either way, but there are good reasons to back Johnny Fisher on points.

He's had a taste of Allen's approach, knows what to expect, and has the athletic edge. With the right adjustments — smarter clinching, better pacing, and sharper movement — he should be able to avoid the same pitfalls as last time.

Fisher doesn’t need to prove he can stop Allen; he needs to prove he can outbox him. If he keeps his composure and boxes intelligently, the rematch could be a defining win that allows him to move forward in his career.

Allen, for all his heart and grit, may simply be too worn to keep pace for 10 full rounds.

Tickets and info here.