Dave Allen’s heavyweight clash ends in a bizarre no contest

Dave Allen’s heavyweight fight against Thomas Carty ended in a bizarre no contest after his Irish opponent fell out of the ring in the first round.

The Doncaster-born heavyweight was competing at Croke Park in a matchup which was serving as the co-event for Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili in Dublin. This was Allen’s 39th career bout and his third withing the space of four months following his well-documented defeat to Croatian fighter and current IBF World Champion Filip Hrgovic at the Club Doncaster Sports Village.

Carty, seeking the biggest win of his 12-bout career, looked to establish himself with a jab in the early stages of the fight, but during a clash close to the ropes, Allen appeared to punch Carty in the back of the head before the latter fell through the ropes and out of the ring.

Carty appeared to be badly shaken and medical staff immediately attended to the 30-year-old heavyweight, with oxygen later administered as he received treatment.

The unusual incident left Allen waiting in the ring as officials assessed the situation. After a review, the incident was deemed accidental and Allen was not disqualified. However, with Carty unable to continue, the fight was officially declared a no contest.

The Irish fans booed as replays were shown on the giant screens and Allen was filmed saying: "That's one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen in my life."

Neither fighter spoke to the media immediately after the strange conclusion.

However, Allen did later take to Instagram to post: “I’ve had some bizarre moments in my career but this might top it, hope Thomas Carty is healthy and well and Dublin has a KFC life’s too short for arguing back and forth. Thomas is a good man what’s gone has gone let’s all enjoy Katie Taylor. Croke Park is exceptional.”