Dave Allen announces boxing return after losing three stone in dramatic body transformation, but confused fans think he’s fighting a lightweight next
Dave Allen will make a low-key return to the boxing ring on February 18 in Sheffield.
The incredibly popular heavyweight became something of a cult hero in British boxing between 2016 and 2019, though has been away from the limelight for a fair bit since.
Allen briefly retired and has recently spent more of his time training and mentoring young fighters.
He also became a father in 2022.
The White Rhino boxed just once in 2020, once in 2021 and once in 2022, with his two most recent contests coming on small shows away from mainstream TV coverage.
His 2023 return on February 18 will follow the same pattern as it's scheduled to take place at the Platinum Suite inside Sheffield United FC's Bramall Lane stadium.
Allen had to clear up confusion in the comments of his Instagram post in which he announced the fight, as fans thought from the poster that he was boxing lightweight Billy Pickles.
His actual opponent is yet to be announced and is expected to be a journeyman level foe.
Allen has recently made a dramatic body transformation to prepare for his comeback.
The heavyweight posted two weeks ago that he had lost 'very close to three stone' and has this week shown an image of his latest update.
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Allen was seemingly over 21 stone (294lbs) not that long ago as he has now said he is now down to down to 18 stone 4lbs (256lbs).
"Big changes made to end 2022, massive 2023 coming up," he said.
In his previous post, Allen put: "Very close to three stone down altogether and over 10kg down working with @John.Wattam.
"Never been fitter, stronger and most importantly mentally in a better stable place.
"2023 is going to be the best year yet."