'˜Project' Allen set for Haye-Bellew bill

Dave Allen (left) and David Howe (right) during the weigh-in at The O2, London.

The Conisbrough heavyweight blitzed Lukasz Rusiewicz in just 31 seconds in Hull last weekend.

Such was the swiftness with which the fight was ended, promoter Eddie Hearn wants more from Allen and has booked him a place on the bitter grudge match between David Haye and Tony Bellew at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night.

After making a name for himself with valiant efforts against Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz last year, Allen has been handpicked by Hearn to build him up as a potential new heavyweight star.

“It’s nice to here what Eddie has to say about me because he’s the main man in British boxing,” Allen told the Free Press. “If he believes in me it says something.

“What is there now for me that was missing before is the self-belief.

“Eddie just wants to keep me busy. It’s going to be a busy year.

“I’ve never been busy. I’ve boxed and had six months off. I’ve pulled out of fights with injuries or personal issues.

“I’ve not had a straight-forward career.

“I think we’re there. I can’t promise anything because I never can.

“But hopefully I’m there now.”

The 24-year-old labelled his clash with Rusiewicz as the most important of his career to date as it was the start of his journey.

Hearn hopes to guide Allen into a position to challenge for a British title.

He said: “The opportunities haven’t arisen for him in the past so he’s had to take the fights with Whyte and Ortiz.

“Even in those, his stock rose.

“I’ve decided to take him on as a little project and see how far we can go, have a little fun.

“I believe he can win a British title and then who knows from there.

“He’s just got to stay focused and disciplined.”