I've seen some wild career pivots in my time, but Dave Allen's journey from chalking up math problems to chalking up wins in the ring is something else entirely. The man went from supply teaching (with a completely fabricated CV, mind you) to trading blows with some of boxing's biggest names.
God. The gambling thing though. That's teh part that really hits you in the gut.
When £1 Turns Into a Life-Destroying Monster
It all started innocently enough - a quid on the horses with his dad when he was just 8 years old. Little did anyone know that small flutter would spiral into a full-blown addiction that nearly swallowed him whole.
Allen's story is painfully raw. On Darren Barker's podcast, he laid it all bare: "I used to go to the bookies and play on the machines there, they were great times. But the online stuff is where it got bad for me because it was so easy, it was just numbers on a screen."
At his lowest point? We're talking hundreds of thousands of pounds gambled away. Not that the money mattered to him.
"I have no interest in the money at all," he confessed. "When the money runs out, that's the only issue. I never wanted to withdraw any money, I just wanted to keep winning."
Escapism. That's what it was for him.
The Boxing Journey Nobody Expected
Back in 2012, Allen turned pro after just 10 amateur fights, even turning down a spot on the GB Squad. Bold move, Dave. His early career was a struggle though - only seven fights in his first three years. The man was desperate for cash.
I spoke to a trainer who worked with Allen during those early days. His response: "Dave always had the heart, just needed someone to believe in him."
Allen made ends meet as a sparring partner (£500 a week ain't exactly rolling in it) before landing that teaching gig. Can you imagine this heavyweight boxer trying to control a classroom of teenagers? Poor kids probably didn't know whether to laugh or run.
Waking Up at 2pm Just to Lose More Money
His gambling routine was brutal. Bed at 6am. Up by 2pm to catch the first race. Repeat until broke.
What saved him? His sister and wife taking complete control of his finances. "Since I was 26, I've not been in control of my own money," Allen admitted. "My sister set me up a bank account and for the last seven and a half years if I want any money at all, I have to text my sister and now my missus."
That kind of admission takes serious guts. Imagine being a professional fighter - someone who literally makes their living through toughness and self-control - adn having to admit you can't trust yourself with a debit card.
The Fisher Rematch: Revenge or Repeat?
Allen's career has been a rollercoaster. Retired in 2020 after David Price knocked him into next week. Then un-retired a year later because... well, boxing is like that hotel from The Eagles song. You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.
Now 33, Allen's coming off that controversial split-decision loss to Johnny Fisher in Saudi last December. I watched that fight with my brother-in-law who nearly put his foot through my coffee table when they announced Fisher as the winner. Cost me £120 to replace, by the way.
Their rematch this Saturday at the Copper Box could be career-defining. Allen's not mincing words: "If he fights me May 17th he'll get knocked out because I'll be sharper, a little bit fitter."
Listen. Allen dropped Fisher in round five of their first fight. He knows he can hurt him.
The Unlikely Hero Boxing Needed
There's something about Allen that just connects with fans. Maybe it's because he's sparred with the very best - Joshua, Fury, Usyk - yet remains refreshingly humble. Or perhaps it's his openness about his demons.
Training kids has become his salvation. "I need it as much as them," he admits. "It's really kept me on the straight and narrow."
I've met plenty of boxers who talk about "inspiring the next generation" while barely showing up to their own gym. Allen actually lives it.
Whatever happens Saturday night against Fisher, Dave Allen has already won the bigger fight. From gambling addict to beloved boxing figure, his journey reminds us that sometimes the toughest battles aren't fought under the lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of diet is best for a boxing beginner?
A beginner boxer should aim for a well-balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair and growth, healthy fats for endurance, and ample fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals. Also, hydration is crucial. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, as well as after exercising.
What equipment am I required to start boxing?
Essential gear is required to start boxing. It will ensure your safety, and you'll get the most out of your training. You will need a pair boxing gloves to protect your hands and wrists, a mouthguard and headgear for sparring. For better support and movement, it is recommended that you wear boxing shoes as well as comfortable athletic clothing.
How can I protect myself when boxing?
Boxing defense includes a number of techniques. You can use slips, weaves and rolls as well as footwork and maintain distance by using your feet. Learning these defensive skills is just as important as mastering your offense.
What's the difference between amateur boxing and professional?
Amateur Boxing tends more to focus on the sports aspect. This means that it is less concerned with knockouts and more about technique, skills, and points. It usually involves shorter rounds, and protective headgear is required. Professional boxing, however, is a fulltime career, with longer rounds without headgear.
Statistics
- Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
- Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
- Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
- Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.
- Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
- An analysis of boxing workouts demonstrates that participants can maintain a heart rate at 75-85% of their maximum, which is the optimal range for cardiovascular training.
- Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
- Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
- Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
External Links
How To
How to create a boxing workout at home
Creating a boxing workout at home begins with outlining a structured routine. Combine cardio exercises such as jumping rope or running for endurance with strength training like push-ups and squats to develop muscle. When shadowboxing focus on your stance as well as punching form. Bag rounds are a great way to work on power and combinations if you have a heavybag.
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