Dave Allen Stopped by Filip Hrgovic on Home Soil, Croatian Eyes Itauma Clash

Filip Hrgovic made short work of Dave Allen, stopping him in the third round of their heavyweight clash at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, England. Allen's corner decided their fighter had taken enough punishment, throwing in the towel at 2:37 of the third stanza.

The disparity between the two was evident from the opening bell, as the 33-year-old Hrgovic landed three consecutive right hooks to Allen's face. The 34-year-old Brit attempted to respond with an overhand right, but his punch sailed wide, allowing the favorite to connect with another right to Allen's head.

Hrgovic's victory seemed inevitable from the second round onwards, as he relentlessly battered Allen, who desperately tried to defend himself. The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist shifted his attack to the body, landing a left to Allen's midsection before rocking his opponent's legs with another heavy right.

The third round was difficult to watch. Hrgovic was now landing heavy, frequent blows at will to Allen's body. The crowd fell silent as the Croatian landed a left hook that visibly shook Allen's legs. He stumbled to the canvas, but referee Steve Gray strangely ruled it a slip. Allen rose, but knew he was in trouble. Hrgovic pressed forward, unleashing everything he had, with every punch finding its mark and Allen's head snapping left and right. Allen's trainer, Moore, appeared to have a conversation with Gray across the ring about stopping the fight. Hrgovic then hit Allen with another left, followed by a right, and Moore threw in the towel. The crowd booed the decision as Allen recorded his ninth career loss, but it was undoubtedly the right call.

Allen, now 25-9-2 (20 KOs), addressed the boos regarding Moore's decision to save him after the fight.

The victorious Hrgovic, now 20-1 (15 KOs), apologized to the crowd after his win.

"I'm sorry, guys, I know I'm not the favorite here," he said. "Thank you to Dave Allen for this great event."

Reports had circulated that the Croatian might face rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma on August 8th, provided he emerged from this fight with minimal damage. George Warren of Queensberry confirmed that the bout was close to being finalized.