Dave Allen is the ex-supply teacher turned boxer who overcame gambling addiction to become heroic fans' favourite
Allen started as an amateur aged 16 and had just ten bouts before turning professional in 2012 - snubbing the chance to join the GB Squad.
Advertisement
4
Dave Allen opened up on his gambling addiction, which he has bravely overcome
Credit: First Round TV
He was 20 when he made his debut but only three years later Allen had only fought seven times and was in need of cash.
The heavyweight made ends meet as a sparring partner - earning around £500 a week - but it was not enough.
So he got a job as a supply teacher - lying on his CV to get the gig - before returning to the ring in 2015.
But by then, Allen was gripped by a horrific gambling addiction which started after making a £1 bet on the horses with his dad when he was just eight.
Advertisement
READ MORE IN BOXING
And after being introduced to online betting, the boxer's life began to spiral.
He bravely said on ex-middleweight champion Darren Barker's
"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 numbers on the screen.
Advertisement
Most read in Boxing
Exclusive
4
"Probably at the worst? It's difficult to say really. I wasn't gambling that much in my early 20s, but I was gambling everything that I had.
"As I got a bit older, I was gambling way more, tens of thousands of pounds. Maybe into hundreds of thousands overall."
John Fisher opens up on his son's brutal fight against Dave Allen after he needed brain scan
Allen -
Advertisement
He explained: "I have no interest in the money at all.
"The kind of gambler I am, it's not about the money for me. When the money runs out, that's the only issue.
"I never wanted to withdraw any money, I just wanted to keep winning. To be honest, at that time it was like an escapism from real life."
Allen revealed his routine consisted of going to bed at 6am and waking up by 2pm to catch the first race of the day.
Advertisement
Fortunately, Allen has overcome his addiction with the help of his sister and wife, who he shares a son and daughter with.
As I got a bit older, I was gambling way more, tens of thousands of pounds. Maybe into hundreds of thousands overall.
Dave Allen
He said: "Since I was 26, I've not been in control of my own money.
"So at 26, I said to my sister, 'You're going to have to look after my money, to be honest.'
"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, I get a card and they send me money.
Advertisement
"Because, if I could still gamble now, I think I would. I've spent mad money on mad s***, I was spending ridiculous money and when I boxed Luis Ortiz, I did it for the money, really.
"I think I owed a few quid at the time of the Dillian Whyte fight, I think I lost about eight grand on the day of the fight, I didn't clear too much more than that really."
Allen has also become a trainer and manager to young fighters to also keep himself on track.
He said: "I need it as much as them, start training the kids seven or eight years ago and that's my sustainability really.
Advertisement
'He'll get knocked out'
"It's really kept me on the straight and narrow."
Allen initially retired from boxing in 2020 aged 28 after a brutal knockout loss to 2008 Olympic bronze medallist David Price.
But he returned a year later and has fought eight times since, remaining a hugely popular figure amongst British fans.
Allen, 33, is coming off a
Advertisement
And Allen - who dropped Fisher in round five - warned: "If he fights me May 17th he'll get knocked out because I'll be sharper, a little bit fitter.
"If he boxes me it will be hard work, of course it is. But I don't think at the Copper Box he'll hold it together and box.
"He'll get in a fight at some point. I'm not the biggest puncher but I hit too hard for him and I'm too strong for him. He's tough, though."
Advertisement
4
Johnny Fisher controversially beat Dave Allen on points
Credit: Reuters
4
They rematch at the Copper Box
Credit: PA
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Please, Sir Keir, racing is being battered and we NEED your help before it's too late
SIR KEIR, are you listening? Do you know what is going on? Has anyone talked to you? Tax nightmares. Affordability checks. Labour peer frustrations. 1 Racing is booming at the moment with punters returning to tracks - but huge headwinds in the shape of harsh taxation lie in wait Credit: PA It appears racing is being battered in every direction. Who is listening? It remains hard to know. I've written before and I'll write it again. Considering horse racing is loved by the King and Queen downwards, it's quite extraordinary that it seems anyone who is part of the sport seemingly finds it impossible to get the ear of the Prime Minister. But while everyone is shouting from the rooftops about the current mayhem and possible nightmares around the corner, whether those in charge of Government have any idea what is happening behind the scenes is just a guessing game. We know Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria, like horse racing. Remember the day after the General Election? Victoria was having a day out at the Eclipse at Sandown. Not so long ago Sir Keir was also at Doncaster for the St Leger to watch Jan Brueghel land his victory for Aidan O'Brien. And yet, there is every chance the Labour Government is on the verge of lumping a huge taxation on the Sport of Kings that could be the beginning of the end. Most read in Horse Racing For those of you who don't know, that's because there is a current Treasury proposal to harmonise remote gambling tax rates, which could result in a raise to the rate on sports betting (including horseracing) from 15 per cent to 21 per cent. It all comes at a time when racing attendances are up - although no doubt partly due to good weather - allowing the sport to remain as the second most watched in the country. Above all that, though, horse racing already contributes over £4billion to the national economy and supports in the region of 85,000 jobs. Why would you even contemplate wrecking that? All this is going on at the same time Lord Allen continues to sit on the bench while he decides whether he wants to become BHA chairman. Many in racing think he is sent from God to make everything all right, although as of yet I've seen nothing on paper to back that up. That all said, everyone knows the governance needs a massive change. We really only hear one side of the Lord Allen 'will he join or won't he join' saga. But I'm led to believe he's put forward a proposal which basically says accept it or I walk. I am also led to believe he wants a hefty salary for whoever he makes CEO in place of Brant Dunshea. I can't back this up. It's just the word on the street. If Lord Allen is the Messiah, though, you would have thought he'd have already been talking to Sir Keir and messages would be coming back to racing about the tax issue. It's been silent as far as I am aware. So Sir Keir. The question is simple. Do you hear us? Do you know what is going on? FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
19-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Kate Scott rocks bold outfit as DAZN presenter stuns in low-cut top for Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois
KATE SCOTT impressed with her presenting and her fashion choices as she fronted up DAZN's coverage of the Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois fight. Scott, previously known as Advertisement 8 Kate Scott fronted up DAZN's coverage of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois Credit: DAZN 8 Scott sported a bold outfit as she was joined on the coverage by former boxing champ Carl Frampton Credit: DAZN 8 Boxing icon Lennox Lewis later joined the pair Credit: DAZN 8 Scott has worked with Netflix for the boxing before Credit: Getty 8 Her usual gig sees her front up CBS Sports' Champions League coverage The experienced presenter and TV star stepped away from her usual gig as one of CBS Sports' Champions League broadcast stars to venture into boxing. Scott, 43, looked smart in front of the backdrop of the mega 90,000 seat venue as she sported a black and gold top, black trousers and some studded heels. While she was joined on the initial coverage by former two-weight world boxing champion Carl Frampton, who leant his boxing expertise to the show. Boxing icon Advertisement READ MORE IN BOXING 8 USYK VS DUBOIS 2: Stream, TV channel and undercard info for blockbuster Wembley fight The trio were ready to bring fans action from a HUGE night of fighting as Usyk and Dubois prepare to do battle for the title of undisputed world heavyweight champion. Advertisement The bout reignited a rivalry between the pair after Most read in Boxing Exclusive The Brit, who currently holds the IBF heavyweight title, will try and pull off a shock win to snatch Usyk's belts away from him in front of a roaring home crowd. Usyk remains strong favourite for the fight given his exceptional form in recent times, including victories over Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. 8 Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will do battle for the title of undisputed world heavyweight champion Credit: AP Advertisement BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS It's not just the main event that will catch the attention of fans either. And Southampton hitter Lewis Edmondson will try and take Daniel Lapin's IBF Intercontinental and WBA Continental light heavyweight titles away from him when the pair trade blows on the undercard. Advertisement Derek Chisora stunned after finding out about Oleksandr Usyk's outrageous training regime ahead of Daniel Dubois fight 8
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
British racing is rudderless and staring at a £66million blackhole – we need firm leadership NOW
BRITISH horse racing is rudderless and in need of a huge governance overhaul. But is a rudderless organisation one you would hand your assets to? It's a big question. 1 Will Lord Allen be the new man in charge of the BHA - does he even want the job given the almighty mess he will be tasked with fixing? Credit: PA You would think we are on the verge of armageddon. Maybe we are. Only time will tell. As I write, the BHA is without a chief executive - Brant Dunshea is currently a stand in - and has no chairman. In recent months it has also lost plenty of key players. The body should have a chairman. Lord Allen, a Labour peer, was due to take up the post on June 2. However, BHA announced on May 30 this would not be happening, stating he wanted to speak to stakeholders 'to better inform his vision for the sport'. Lord Allen is not a massive racing fan and he's not in need of cash. But many in racing feel his appointment is crucial with his close alliance to Government and business acumen. Most read in Horse Racing He's the man, apparently, to sort out major issues like British racing's funding model and a fixture list that regularly frustrates. Premier Racedays and their promotion have also been a shambles. Behind the scenes it is clear Lord Allen is not happy with negotiations and progress with the various factions in horse racing. We all know it's hard to get any consensus between the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, Thoroughbred Breeders Association and 'Licensed Personnel' covering trainers, jockeys and stable staff. And so British racing, a huge industry and the second most watched sport in the country, is in limbo. Right now, we believe July 28 is D-Day for Lord Allen's takeover. In terms of taking up his role, word on the street is he's gone from an odds-on shot to odds against. But everyone is guessing. Meanwhile, most in racing are united in begging Sir Keir Starmer's Government not to put a 'racing tax' onto British racing. The sport's already under-pressure finances could be hit by at least £66million if the 15 per cent levied on racing and sports is harmonised with the 21 per cent duty on online games of chance. You would think one of the reasons Lord Allen would be useful is getting the message across to Sir Keir about the catastrophic consequences of any tax increases. I've seen nothing to suggest that has happened. We are led to believe that Lord Allen would want fixtures - mostly owned by the racecourses - to head back to the BHA, or BHE as I think it may end up being called. But if you had a racetrack and someone told you that, for the good of racing fixtures, it should be handled by newly-named BHE, why would you think that was a good idea? Most racecourses are run by financial experts. Particularly the main groups. It's hard to think of any circumstance where their money people would say giving their treasures to a rudderless organisation was a decent concept. It's all a mess. Racing needs to get it's act together. Current campaigns are welcome. But why were they not instigated years ago? We all knew what was coming. Everyone was silent. You snooze you lose. It's as simple as that. Watch Indecent Proposal. On the racing front Glorious Goodwood is around the corner and you will get all the best racing coverage in this paper. On Saturday, however, it's the Juddmonte Irish Oaks but the sponsors won't be taking the prize. All being equal the winner will be Epsom heroine Minnie Hauk, who defeated Whirl when last seen and she has already franked the form, taking the Group 1 Pretty Polly. Minnie Hauk will be long odds on and should have a stroll in the Curragh park. At Newbury there's a cracker for the Group 3 Hallgarten and Novum Wines Hackwood Stakes, featuring last year's 1-3-4 in Elite Status, Kind of Blue and Regional. Kind of Blue and Regional both have the ability to score with ease, but I'm interested in Elite Status once again. Karl Burke continues to believe in this horse, but now he turns to first-time cheekpieces after a fair fourth at York and a disappointing performance at Royal Ascot. He might just win it again. As for the big juvenile event, the Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes which is worth a lot of money, surely Havana Hurricane will take all the beating for jockey Charlie Bishop and trainer Eve Johnson Houghton. The Listed Windsor Castle hero stays well and has a turn of pace suited to running at a big field. Certainly his odds will be shorter than the fictional ones on offer for Lord Allen! FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
