Dave Allen vs Makhmudov prediction thread

I really, really, want Allen to pull this off. But I have an awful feeling Makhmudov will be the first to crack his chin and properly knock him out. For all Makh's deficiencies he can crack amongst the best of them, and Allen would be playing Russian Roulette putting faith in his chin by applying his usual strategy of absorbing the punches and wearing his opponent down. I hope he has been hard at work in camp with an emphasis on maintaining defensive solidity; if he can come through the first five unscathed then I would be more optimistic as to his chances.

 

I also think that Kabayel hits uncommonly hard for body shots. There are guys who have one specific punch that's much harder than anything else they can throw -- I think Kabayel generates more power downstairs than upstairs, for whatever reason. He's no feather fist, but his body shots seem as about as hard as anyone can throw.

 

@BubblesUK Who you got winning this one?

 

When this was first announced, I thought Makhmudov and so did the majority, it seemed.

But the support for Allen since just seems to have grown like a snowball rolling downhill. Not sure exactly why?

Either could win. I'll stick with Makhmudov.

 

I'm thinking Makhmudov takes this one via stoppage. I just can't see Allen being able to deliver enough damage to discourage the big guy or drop him landing, and if you don't stop Mak hitting you you're in trouble.
Allen could surprise me, makes for a good fight

 

Its because Allen is likeable with his everyman persona and he has been doing interviews and uploading videos, including about his workouts and how fit he is this time around etc.

 

I think Makhmudov realized he will never be a champion and lost his ambition. I don't think he even trains properly anymore.

Allen on the other hand is probably training his arse off for a title match payday, thus I think Allen will win this.

 

It’s because his personality everyone loves him and wants to see another rocky story but the reality is he’s going to get battered

 

I think Allen has the ability to win this fight, he definitely has a punchers chance. I think it will come down to if Allen can take Makhmudov's power, hang in there and turn it into his kind of fight. I honestly think it will be competitive until one of them blasts the other out.

Logic would say Makhmudov and he has to be the favourite, but he looked awful against Vianello, I wouldn't be shocked if Allen pulled it off. I can't really pick a winner, both are so flawed and are capable of finding away to lose. I don't think mentally either are particularly strong, might come down to who is willing to grit it out until the other mentally folds.

 

Odds were dead even last I saw