Dave Allen: The Most Honest Boxer in Britain, Boxing Saved Me From Myself, I will knock out Johnny Fisher
Dave Allen is back – and he’s not holding back. In this emotional and unpredictable conversation with Darren Barker, the White Rhino revisits the highs and brutal lows of his career.
From sparring Tyson Fury and Usyk and getting battered by Tony Yoka, to being called a “fat pig” in France and paying to fight on the small hall scene – this is a deep dive into boxing’s most unlikely cult hero.
Now training kids in Doncaster and preparing for one last shot against Johnny Fisher, Dave reveals what keeps him in the game… and what nearly took him out.
⚠️ Don’t miss this one if you care about the man behind the gloves.
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Transcript
00:00 – Darren Introduces Dave Allen
A heartfelt intro as Darren explains why Dave was one of his dream guests.
01:10 – Dave Joins: “I’ve Been Hard to Catch”
ning, and feeling like it’s:02:00 – The Johnny Fisher Rematch & Mental Warfare
Dave reacts to Johnny Fisher's comments — and whether he really "cares."
04:20 – Back to Doncaster: Childhood Flashbacks
Early years, his family, and how those chaotic foundations shaped him.
06:00 – “My Dad Was a Nightmare… But It Was a Good Childhood”
Reflecting on discipline, hardship, and seeing things differently as an adult.
08:15 – Failing GCSEs and Choosing Boxing Instead
A pivotal day that launched his unlikely boxing journey.
09:30 – First Amateur Fight and Training at Brendan Ingle’s Gym
Rough beginnings, first spars, and how he learned by surviving.
11:00 – Winning NABC Title and GB Squad Struggles
Momentum builds — until weight gain and money pressures creep in.
13:30 – Leaving Team GB for £4K a Year
Why he walked away from the Olympic pathway — and now regrets it.
15:00 – Turning Pro, Gambling Begins
Signs with Dennis Hobson, starts earning £200/week… and losing it at bookies.
18:00 – Drawing with Plum Nicolov & Early Career Reality Check
Reveals the underrated toughness of opponents and how close things came to derailing.
21:00 – Gambling Addiction & Self-Harm
A raw confession on spiraling habits and mental health struggles.
23:45 – Boxing as Escape & Survival
Why the sport was more than a career — it was life or death.
26:30 – Sponsored Segment: NordVPN Ad Read
Quick sponsor break with Darren’s pitch.
27:30 – Handing Over His Finances to Beat Gambling
Why his sister now controls his money — and how it saved him.
29:00 – Taking Fights for Money & Emotional Consequences
The chaos behind the paydays — and the long-term cost.
31:30 – Facing Dillian Whyte: Nerves & Turning Point
Overwhelmed by the crowd, stunned by the experience.
34:00 – Louis Ortiz: Pain, Punishment & Regret
Fighting elite opponents underprepared — and getting badly hurt.
36:30 – Leroy Thomas: Nightclub Before Fight Night
A cautionary tale in poor preparation and wasted chances.
39:00 – Missed Trilogy Opportunity & Dave Howe Filler Fight
Plans fall apart after losing Eddie’s trust.
40:15 – Tony Yoka: The “Fat Pig” Headlines in France
Physical and emotional aftermath of his worst beating.
42:30 – Nick Webb Win & Nigel Benn’s Pep Talk
How one conversation flipped his mindset — and saved his career.
45:30 – Buying His First House After the Webb Win
A proud moment: financial security for the first time.
47:00 – Slugging It Out with Bracamonte, Then Linking Up with Darren
When the fights got gritty — and the training got real.
49:30 – Training with Darren Barker & Failing to Deliver vs. Price
Honest talk about why it didn’t work despite great prep.
52:00 – Self-Sabotage: Dave on His Own Worst Enemy
Deep reflections on missed potential and inner conflict.
54:00 – Laughing Through It with Darren
Two mates, a wild ride, and real-life lessons in coaching.
55:30 – Topping the Bill vs. Lucas Browne
Massive win, short celebration — onto the next.
57:00 – The Ambulance Ride After Price: “I Thought I Was Gonna Die”
Scariest moment of his career — and why he nearly quit.
59:00 – Jamie Moore & Fraser Clarke: “I Quit That Night”
Training in Manchester and why Clarke still haunts him.
::The eye contact that changed everything in the tunnel.
::Dave’s round-by-round reflection on the Saudi showdown.
::Why coaching has grounded him and become his true passion.
::Dave introduces his young prospect — and their kitchen sparring stories.
::Joe’s transformation under Dave’s brutal but loving methods.
::Ranking the best he’s shared the ring with — and who really hit the hardest.
::No food, no fun, and a KO to top it off.
::Running away in Austria, pretending to be 6'5" — and learning the hard way.
::Dave’s brutally honest take on Wardley, Adeleye, Clarke, and Moses.
::The four boxing legends that shaped his outlook.
::“Hit and not be hit” — the simplest, hardest truth.
::Dave opens up about what boxing gave him — and what could’ve been.
::Heartfelt thanks from Darren to a guest who’s always unforgettable.
