Richard Towers pulls out of David Allen heavyweight showdown

David Allen has suffered a major blow after his British heavyweight title eliminator was chalked off at the last minute.
David Allen is reeling after a late change of opponentDavid Allen is reeling after a late change of opponent
David Allen is reeling after a late change of opponent

The Conisbrough heavyweight was due to face good friend Richard Towers in a title eliminator at Sheffield Arena on Saturday, a potential showstealer on the undercard of Kell Brook’s third defence of his IBF welterweight title.

But Towers pulled out with little warning earlier this week, leaving Allen’s camp scrambling for a replacement opponent in time for Saturday night.

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No official reason has been given for the withdrawal of veteran Towers but it is understood a bout of flu was mentioned.

Allen will still fight on Saturday night but it certainly will not be in a British title eliminator.

A rumoured opponent is American Jason Gavern.

As the 24-year-old looks for a yard stick as to where he is in the British heavyweight reckoning, Cavern could prove to be a decent opponent.

The 51 fight veteran took on British heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua a year ago, being stopped in round three.

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But Cavern is certainly not what Allen prepared for over the last two months.

Towers is a 6ft8 giant with Cavern six inches shorter, dramatically changing Allen’s plans for the fight.

He spent a week in Finland sparring with giant European champion Robert Helenius as part of his preparations.

This is the second fight in succession where Allen has suffered a late change of opponent.

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On his last outing at Sheffiled Arena in October he was due to contend the Central Area heavyweight title with Adam Macaj only for the opponent to withdraw ath the 11th hour.

Instead he fought the much shorter French heavyweight champion Fabrice Aurieng and laboured to a victory.

On a night when he was determined to showcase his skill and power, Allen will be bitterly disappointed with the late alterations.