The White Rhino Wilts Under Makhmudov’s Gaze—Weigh-In Drama Sets the Tone for Saturday’s Heavyweight War in Sheffield

Dave Allen weighed in at 259.1 lbs, while his opponent, Arslanbek Makhmudov, came in at 261.1 pounds at Friday’s weigh-in for their 12-round heavyweight clash this Saturday, October 11, at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England adn live on DAZN.

Frozen at the Face-Off

Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs) looked kind of sheepish during the face-off with the imposing 6’5 1/2″ Makhmudov (20-2, 19 KOs). Although ‘The White Rhino’ Allen, 33, had talked about wanting to smile to anger Arslanbek, he looked too nervous to do this while being stared down by the big Russian.

Allen’s Moment of Doubt

Allen couldn’t hold the staredown and turned away. Makhmudov continued with a menacing stare, even with Allen facing the audience. This had a different vibe than how he’d been with Dave before this.

The big puncher Makhmudov had to have heard what Allen had said about him, about how he wanted to unnerve him with his mind games ahead of Saturday’s fight. Today, Arslanbek wasn’t having it. He treated Allen like the enemy.

Weights

• David Allen – 259.1 vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov – 261.1

“He’s still a scary-looking guy. It’s a real fight against a fringe-level opponent,” said Dave Allen to DAZN Boxing, reacting to his face-off with Arslanbek Makhmudov during today’s weigh-in. “If I win this, I am a legitimate top 15 guy in the world.

“It’s about people taking me serious. I’ve been a good fighter for a long time. Now, it’s time for me to show I’m a very, very good fighter,” said Allen.

The punching power of Makhmudov is going to be a real problem for Allen on Saturday night. This isn’t Johnny Fisher that he’s facing. It’s a much more dangerous puncher, and with far more talent.

Million-Dollar Motivation

There’s a lot on the line for both fighters. Allen wants to make millions potentially fighting Deontay Wilder or another top heavyweight if he’s victorious.

For his part, Makhmudov has already spoken to Anthony Joshua, who has told him that he’s interested in fighting him in 2026. That’s a fight where Makhmudov could make many millions and set himself up for life in his new home of Montreal, Canada.