Boxing: Allen targets Joshua battle

Conisbrough heavyweight Allen will face Sheffield fighter Towers in a British title eliminator on March 26 at Sheffield Arena.

Undoubtedly the biggest fight of his career to date, Allen hopes victory over Towers would see him jump to the front of the queue to face the hottest heavyweight prospect in the world for the British title later this year.

“Anthony knows that I want that fight,” Allen told IFLTV. “I want it so badly, I think about it a lot.

“I really want that fight so I need to win this fight, that is what it’s all about.

“I would have fought anybody for that chance. You name them, I would have fought them.”

Allen worked with Towers during the early stages of his career and admits it will be tough to face his good friend.

But the chance to open doors meant he had no hesitation in taking the bout.

He said: “We spoke on the phone when it was made and we were talking about what we’re doing after the fight.

“That’s the relationship we’ve got. I’ve known Richard a long time.

“It’s a good fight. We’re going to sell plenty of tickets, we’re both local.

“We both know each other very well, we know what each other will bring to the table.”

After beating bitter rival Dillian Whyte to win the British heavyweight title in December, Olympic gold medallist Joshua is looking to take his skyrocketing career to the next level this year, working towards world title fights in 2017.

Allen does not feel as though he should be overlooked and believes he has the beating of Joshua – a past sparring partner.

He said: “I’m going to beat Richard Towers. I don’t like to say that but I am because I have to.

“Richard is a big name, he’s rated highly and surely the winner of this will get the chance. If I beat Richard, it really puts me out there.

“This is the biggest fight I’ve ever had and this fight would lead to what would be the biggest fight.

“I’m going to be on [promoter] Eddie Hearn’s case when I win this. Let me have the fight.

“I’m going to beat Anthony Joshua if that fight happens.

“Joshua can’t put me down. I’m there all day.

“Either way, I’m going to be British champion by the end of 2016.”

Allen was due to fight at Dearne Valley Leisure Centre in Denaby Main on February 13 but the bout has been cancelled to allow him to focus on the Towers fight.

Sheffield giant Towers has not fought since November 2014 but has been working with David Haye’s former trainer Adam Booth in recent months.

He has one defeat on his record, coming against Australian bruiser Lucas Browne.