Dave Allen vs Arslanbek Makhmudov: Preview and betting tips for heavyweight clash

There's a big night of domestic boxing in Sheffield on Saturday night as popular English heavyweight Dave Allen takes on the imposing Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Odds Now's Max Boosey takes a look at the main event and offers up his best wagers, along with a double from the undercard.

Dave Allen vs Arslanbek Makhmudov betting preview

Tightly-priced

The main event of this strong domestic card in Sheffield sees the ever-popular Dave Allen looking to continue his impressive revival in a tough fight with Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Bookmakers are struggling to split the pair with Allen 21/20 and Makhmudov 19/20 (draw 25/1), therefore making for an appealing betting heat if you can form a strong opinion on how things may play out.

My angle into this contest is playing on the similarities in style I see between Makhmudov and a man Allen has just recently beaten (some would say twice) in Johnny Fisher.

Both Makhmudov and Fisher base their entire strategy around coming forward behind their jab. It’s basic, and it can be brutally effective.

The Russian loves to put his big right hand down the pipe of his opponent, quickly. A lot of his stoppages have come inside the first three rounds – several in the first – so of course, he poses a big danger to anyone early.

However, I think it’s clear when he has gone beyond that three-round mark that he doesn’t have the biggest gas tank. So, can Allen live with him in those opening exchanges?

Back Allen to come good after early danger

If you watch back Allen’s last fight with Fisher, what he did brilliantly was soak up the early rounds and then start to walk forward onto his opponent.

Fisher tired quickly from that point due to being under constant pressure, and I can see similar happening here.

I think people often underestimate Allen’s intelligence in the ring. He’s shown himself time and again to be a very smart operator and he’ll have a clear gameplan for this fight.

It’s no secret that Makhmudov doesn’t enjoy punishment to the body. That was how Agit Kabayel stopped him, though he did so with volume. Allen can’t match that speed, so will likely have to do so with one or two well-timed shots that pack plenty of aggression.

But if he navigates those early rounds as I expect him to, he can expose Makhumdov’s questionable stamina and I see this as a fight that could turn very quickly – in one round, things could flip on their head.

So, while that does put me off backing over or under lines on the rounds, I’m confident enough to combine a solid wager on the Allen win with a further point on him to get the stoppage.

Undercard double

Junaid Bostan to beat Bilal Fawaz

I’m happy to get Junaid Bostan on side in his rematch with Bilal Fawaz here as part of a rock solid double.

Their first bout was scored a draw but it was clear Fawaz was a bit hard done by, so it’s a case of whether the Rotherham-born favourite is able to learn lessons ahead of this second chance.

I believe he will have done exactly that. Even in that below-par showing, it was clear to see that Bostan had the better boxing skill set whereas Faraz looks more of a bruiser.

With tape to watch back, I believe we’ll see a more polished performance from Bostan to get the job done. Possibly winning it on points – but there’s no need to go into that kind of detail.

Josh Padley to beat Reece Bellotti

I will double up Bostan with Josh Padley to get the better of Reece Bellotti, which brings the price up to a healthy 5/6 with BoyleSports.

Padley has a couple of good wins on his resume and he takes on an experienced but somewhat limited veteran in Bellotti. Many will argue Bellotti has strong power, which is true – but I’m not convinced he’ll be able to set his shots up against his skillful opponent.

The only defeat Padley has suffered was a convincing one, but it came at the hands of the brilliant Shakhur Stevenson. The nine rounds he lasted there will have done his development the world of good.

I see this being quite a convincing success for the favourite.

Max Boosey’s best bets for the Dave Allen vs Arslanbek Makhmudov fight night

4pts - Dave Allen to beat Arslanbek Makhmudov - 21/20 (Star Sports/ PricedUp)

1pt - Dave Allen to win via KO/ TKO/ Disqualification - 9/5 (888Sport)

2pt double - Junaid Bostan to beat Bilal Fawaz + Josh Padley to beat Reece Bellotti - 5/6 (BoyleSports)

Total staked - 7pts