Both in their primes, how does this one play out? I think Skelton wins on points in an ugly, scrappy fight that would be crude but entertaining.
Damn, this is a tough one to call I'd go Matt as he kept himself in better shape but let's be honest both were /are normally horrible to watch
You are probably right, in my opinion the crop of heavyweights on the domestic scene were pretty poor back then, the division was weak im general at the time...it was competitive but low ability. None of the crop at the time were anything more than domestic level, often losing when stepping up for European honours. Skelton was crude, he was tough and he was a mauler, I'd favour him to outwork and out pace Allen over 12 but it would be close.
Skelton was better in his prime, there was more depth to the British level heavyweight scene back then, which may give the illusion to some that Allen is better, because he’s only really lost at a higher level than British level, but that’s because, like I said, the depth was greater back in Skelton’s era.
Allen used to be one of Matt Skeltons sparring partners in Sheffield and took plenty of whacks off him over the years. Matchroom tried to get him out of retirement several times over the last decade when they were trying to reinvent Allen’s after yet another defeat. In their primes, Skelton easily beats him. Both very nice guys.
I didn’t know this about the sparring history there, thanks for sharing. Glad to see that the Bedford Bear didn’t take the bait and remained in retirement. He was of quite an advanced age by that point. I still fancy his chances of beating Allen even then, but why take the hits when the pay likely wouldn’t have been great?
Matt Skelton once refused me entry into a nighclub in Luton because "you're intoxicated mate" (I wasn't). I neither forgive or forget so go with Allen KO1.
skelton in his prime was probably 10 years before he made his debut , did excellent to get as far as he did at his advaned age and was already slowing down when he fought chagaev i believe it was for an alphabet belt , always had a soft spot for the bedford mauler real nice guy he seemed to
Skelton on points, maybe late stoppage if Allen is getting continually smashed up. Prime Skelton would be too much of a handful for him.