🥊 Dave Allen vs. Filip Hrgović
12 Rounds – Heavyweight Division
Breaking It Down (Technical, Strategic)
This is a classic case of discipline vs durability for me. Hrgović is the more complete, educated fighter. He’s got that European amateur pedigree - balanced stance, tight guard, straight punches down the middle. Everything is economical. He doesn’t waste motion. His jab is educated, not just a range finder - it sets rhythm, breaks structure, and opens the right hand behind it.
Now, as for Allen… he’s not here to win a beauty contest. He’s here to fight. He’s got that old-school British toughness - comes forward, takes a shot to land one, and he’s very comfortable in uncomfortable places. But technically, he’s wide. He loops shots. He leans in. Against a sharp puncher, that’s dangerous.
The keys here for me are distance and patience. If Hrgović controls range with the jab, keeps Allen at the end of his punches, this becomes one-sided. Allen’s only real path is to make it messy - get inside, rough him up, turn it into an alley brawl behind the pub after a few pints.
But before you get carried away, Hrgović has seen that style before. He’s not easily rattled.
Breakdown Part II (Emotional, Psychological)
Let me tell you something about a guy like Dave Allen…He’s the kind of fighter you don’t want to fight if you’re looking for an easy night - but he’s exactly the kind of fighter a guy like Hrgović should beat if he’s who we think he is and a great opponent to build fan appeal.
Allen’s got heart. Real heart. The kind you can’t teach. But heart without the tools? That’s a dangerous thing in this sport, it keeps you in a fight you shouldn’t be in.
Now Hrgović - this is where pressure comes in. Not punches - expectation pressure. He’s supposed to win. He’s supposed to look good. He’s supposed to be the next guy.
And sometimes, when a guy like Allen hangs around… takes your shots… smiles at you… keeps coming… Now you start asking questions you weren’t expecting to ask; “Why isn’t he going?” “Why am I getting hit more than I should?” “Do I really want this kind of fight tonight?” That’s Allen’s danger. He drags you into doubt.
Keys to Victory
Dave Allen: He has to close the distance early. Make it physical - lean, clinch, roughhouse, test Hrgović’s mental toughness. And land overhand rights in tight.
Filip Hrgović: Establish the jab immediately. Keep the fight mid-to-long range and don’t load up - stay disciplined. Break Allen down, don’t chase the knockout.
How do I see this one playing out?
Early rounds - Hrgović in control. Sharp jab, straight right hand, picking Allen off.
Middle rounds - Allen starts having moments. Gets inside, lands a couple of rough shots, makes it uncomfortable.
But the difference is class.
Late rounds - Hrgović’s accumulation starts to show. Allen’s toughness keeps him there, but he’s taking too much.
Lepak’s Pick
Here’s the reality - Hrgović has more layers. More tools. More ways to win. If he stays composed - he wins clean. Event If he gets dragged into a war - he still probably wins… but now he pays for it. I think Allen’s heart carries him further than expected… But Hrgović’s precision, structure, and patience break him down.
Filip Hrgović by TKO (Rounds 8–10)