A Fans Perspective: David Allen
Intro:
My name is David Allen; I was born in Maidenhead, in the county of Berkshire, in 1943. My occupation before retiring was a Centre Lathe Turner – in which I owned a small company.
My family, I have four children – two boys and two girls. Sadly, my wife passed away 17 years ago with cancer. So, after the children moved away and got married, I decided it was time to take early retirement. As bringing up a family on your own – I needed some quality time for myself before I kick the bucket! (Laughs)
Ringnews24.com: What age did you become interested in boxing and why?
I became interested in boxing when I was 10 years old. Listening to fights on the radio, and it seemed to become a passion right away.
Ringnews24.com: What was the first fight you ever saw (on TV) or heard live (radio)?
First fights on the radio involved Randy Turpin and Bruce Woodcock. I don’t remember the opponents after all the years have slipped by.
Ringnews24.com: What was the first fight you ever attended?
The first fight that I ever attended was the first Muhammad Ali v Henry Cooper fight at Wembley Stadium.
Ringnews24.com: Have you boxed and, if yes, at what level?
I trained for two years at the Maidenhead & Bray boxing club, only had one show in two years but they could not find a boxer at my weight for me to meet. The club folded up, but the trainer paid my parents a visit and suggested I should go to Slough Boxing club. He told my parents that he had never had a kid who had such a hard right hand, in his life training kids. My dad refused saying he would not pay the bus fares to Slough – things were tight in them days, plus my dad was a drinker so all his money went on beer.
Ringnews24.com: Who is your favourite fighter from the past?
Favourite fighter of the past, to me, would have to be Sam Langford
Ringnews24.com: What is the best fight that you ever saw?
The best fight I ever saw would have to be Thad Spencer v Leotis Martin. I have seen many great fights but that, particular, one sticks out.
Ringnews24.com: Who is your favourite active fighter and Why?
Kell Brook, I think the guy has all the tools to be special.
Ringnews24.com: If you had to tip one Prospect to go all the way, who would it be?
There are a few good prospects, the World over. I cannot just name one. A lot depends if the boxer fights for certain promoters – they can become a winner of some (World) belt by careful match-making.
Ringnews24.com: Who wins in the following fights?
Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto:
Only one winner for me – Floyd
Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley:
Manny for me
Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao:
Mayweather for me.
Ringnews24.com: Who do you rank as the best Heavyweight of all-time?
Muhammad Ali.
Ringnews24.com: Who do you rate as the best fighter of all-time?
Two: Sugar Ray Robinson and Sam Langford.
Ringnews24.com: Who do you rate as the current best fighter?
Floyd Mayweather Jnr.
Ringnews24.com: Do you have any involvement in boxing now and in what capacity?
I’m an active member of quite a few ex-boxer associations, where we help ex-fighters in need and the widows of ex-fighters. I have been on committees to raise funds for ex-fighters. I’m also a very keen collector of boxing memorabilia. I am currently a moderator for www.ringnews24boxingforum.com
Ringnews24.com: What other hobbies do you have besides following boxing?
No other interest in any other sport, boxing for me is full time and I love every moment of it.
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