Dave Allen vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. - in 2027?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Dave Allen claims Andy Ruiz Jnr fight is in the works for 2027

Dave Allen claims he is in talks to face former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jnr in Sheffield, England, in 2027.

The bout would have little bearing on the heavyweight landscape but could provide entertainment, and thus prove marketable in the UK, given the aggressive styles of both fighters. Then again, with neither renowned for his dedication to training, it could just as easily become a messy, drawn-out affair.

Perhaps with that in mind, Matchroom – which promotes both fighters – is demanding that 34-year-old Allen prove his worth and get himself into shape before the fight can be finalized.

Over the past 13 months, Allen has lost a wide decision to Arslanbek Makhmudov, been stopped in three rounds by Filip Hrgovic, endured a bizarre one-round no contest with Thomas Carty and recorded two victories over overmatched opposition.

Should the Ruiz fight materialize, it could represent one final opportunity for the heavyweight division's proverbial cat with nine lives. Allen's record currently stands at 27-9-2 (20 KOs), with one no contest.

"I think I am going to box Andy Ruiz next year," Allen said.

"I think I will box him in Sheffield, and it will likely happen in March or April.

"But it will be on the premise that I show I can get into the best shape possible.

"I was talking to [Matchroom's] Frank Smith earlier so I think it will happen."

Ruiz, 35-3-1 (22 KOs), is hardly enjoying a resurgence himself.

Hampered by inactivity and poor conditioning since his stunning victory over Anthony Joshua in 2019, the 37-year-old ended his latest hiatus in September with a 12-round points defeat to Damian Knyba.

[joshj909]

I suspect a decision win for Ruiz that's horrible to watch. Low energy, lots of heavy breathing and low activity. It seems like Allen is continuing his attempt to get a win over a reasonably big name who is past it. He was previously trying to get Wilder or Zhang.

[overhand_right]

Has anyone in Dave Allen's team or in his family noticed the frightening decline in his speech in the last year or two? He went from speaking like a potential future pundit to sounding like he's stumbled out of a lock in at the local Weatherspoon's.

[keithmoonhangover]

Fun fight and it will be surprising competitive.

[golden_labrador]

Fun fight and it will be surprising competitive.

hope so but I can also see it being stopped early with Allen, hands down by his sides, being pummeled against the ropes

[Ruthless-RKO]

Has anyone in Dave Allen's team or in his family noticed the frightening decline in his speech in the last year or two? He went from speaking like a potential future pundit to sounding like he's stumbled out of a lock in at the local Weatherspoon's.

They probably have. But he’s bringing in money I guess. If your own family can’t/wont stop you.. then

[KiwiRider]

Fun fight and it will be surprising competitive.

I take it you haven't seen fat Andy's last fight Keef?
Go watch it and report back how fun he looks now.

[IrishGuy]

Think any version of ruiz walks this

[Boxerbeetle]

Ring will need to be reinforced for this one.

[gilgamesh]

This would be fun. Maybe Ruiz is past it enough to make it a fight.

[margaret thatcher]

lots of huffing and puffing in this one , it will be uglier than it is fun

[JamesPhilips]

Dreadful fight.both should retire

[keithmoonhangover]

Fun fight and it will be surprising competitive.

I take it you haven't seen fat Andy's last fight Keef?
Go watch it and report back how fun he looks now.

Yeah I saw it, he looked pretty poor, but Dave Allen's already at that level.

[KiwiRider]

Fun fight and it will be surprising competitive.

I take it you haven't seen fat Andy's last fight Keef?
Go watch it and report back how fun he looks now.

Yeah I saw it, he looked pretty poor, but Dave Allen's already at that level.

The one thing he used to have going for him was hand speed, and despite the biased commentary in that fight mentioning it, it's gone. He is now fat and slow and shipping a lot of punches from low level opposition.
I just don't see much fun in watching guys way past their best who don't even have the dedication to train and eat like athletes.

[JamesPhilips]

I take it you haven't seen fat Andy's last fight Keef?
Go watch it and report back how fun he looks now.

Yeah I saw it, he looked pretty poor, but Dave Allen's already at that level.

The one thing he used to have going for him was hand speed, and despite the biased commentary in that fight mentioning it, it's gone. He is now fat and slow and shipping a lot of punches from low level opposition.
I just don't see much fun in watching guys way past their best who don't even have the dedication to train and eat like athletes.

Ruiz is a similar waste of talent as the lost generation of the 80s. If not worse