Dave Allen Comeback / Connor Butler and Craig Derbyshire Grueling Commonwealth Fight: Results and Review

As reported by IFL TV, ‘The White Rhino’ Dave Allen is in talks with Eddie Hearn to fight for the British heavyweight title against Fabio Wardley. Dave Allen came out bombs ahoy against Michael Bassett 2-8 (2 KOs) at the Hilton Hotel in Malta, landing several of his signature overhand rights flush within seconds of the contest starting.

Dave Allen obliterates Bassett

Later on in the first round, he landed that very shot to aplomb once more and Allen implored the referee to call a halt to proceedings. Compassionately, Bassett’s trainer Tommy Jacobs made the referee’s decision for him and threw in the towel. 

It was a dusting the cobwebs exercise more than anything for Dave Allen. However, the seriousness of intent in and out of the ring from Dave Allen throughout fight week and fight night will go some way to reassure those concerned about his physical health (in making a return to the top of the domestic scene) that he can still compete at that level. 

Butler edges out Derbyshire in a barnstormer

After a contentious draw to Tommy Frank at Ponds Forge last year for the British, it was pleasing to see Craig Derbyshire given another opportunity by Fightzone to take on Connor Butler for the commonwealth flyweight crown.

Butler won by unanimous decision in a grueling affair. Both men suffered facial damage in the fight and it was a welcome clash of styles between the tidy boxing of Butler and the relentless brawling of Derbyshire.

The reflexes of Butler were supreme, although Derbyshire did manage to get through on multiple occasions in the contest. Ultimately, Butler’s work was easier on the eye for the scoring judges, but that shouldn’t underestimate the dogged work rate and desire of Derbyshire. His record is the classic cliché of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ because he has delivered inspired performances in back-to-back championship contests, but fallen just short and tonight is Butler’s night. 

Farrag eyes British

Last contest to note, Ryan Farrag knocked out Georgi Georgiev in two rounds and is intent on landing a British title shot, as part of his comeback campaign. 

Farrag moves to a record of 21-5 (6 KOs) with his last major fight coming in the form of an unsuccessful challenge for the WBO European Super Flyweight title against Sunny Edwards. 

By Harry Duffy

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