Undefeated Johnny Fisher (left) has won 13 pro fights and Dave Allen has won 23, lost seven and drawn two Johnny Fisher v Dave Allen 2 Venue:Copper Box Arena, LondonDate:Saturday 17 May Coverage:Listen to radio coverage from 20:00 BST on Sports Extra 3 before switching to 5 Sports Extra from 21:50 on BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website & app British heavyweight Johnny Fisher feels he may have been "too pally" with Dave Allen before December's controversial victory in Saudi Arabia. The Romford Bull was dropped in the fifth round but overcame Allen in a contentious points decision win, leading to Saturday's rematch at London's Copper Box Arena. Having built a friendship after a sparring session several years before, there was plenty of mutual respect between the pair in Riyadh. "I sort of forgot we're not mates," Fisher told BBC Sport. "You're there to dispatch the other guy. I probably got brought into being a bit too pally with him." While fight fans gravitate to drama, not every bout needs a Chris Eubank Jregg-slapor a Derek Chisoratable-flipto build hype. Yet too much respect can blunt that edge necessary for battle. Anthony Joshua was also accused of being over-friendly with Andy Ruiz Jr before his shock defeat in2019. Fisher, 26, insists he will tone down the niceties and set the record straight. "Morally, in my heart, I thought the rematch wasn't something I had to do, but I felt it was right to do," he said. Fisher competed in just a handful of amateur bouts before turning professional. After 11 stoppage wins in his first 12 bouts, he was a clear favourite against Doncaster's Allen - a seasoned campaignerwidely considered to be past his best. But when Fisher was announced as winner by split decision, boos echoed around the Kingdom Arena and the boxing fraternity voiced their opinions on social media. Trainer Dave Coldwell said Allen had been "robbed of his night" and former world champion Charlie Edwards described the outcome as "sad to watch". Fisher - a huge ticket seller with a loyal fanbase, thanks in part to his social-media star father 'Big' John Fisher - felt a backlash from "those in the media circles". "People love to build you up and when things don't go to plan, they're ready to tear you down. But I've known that from the beginning," he said. "If you're going to be affected by that, you're in the wrong game. "Look at Harry Maguire, a couple of years ago people were saying he's awful, he's terrible. Now he's like the best defender in the Premier League." Fisher was dropped in the fifth round for the first time as a pro on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury rematch After taking time out for a family holiday over Christmas, Fisher watched the fight back and felt the criticism was a little unjust and not a true reflection of public opinion. "When you hear the noise in the media, you'd think it was all negative. But walking down the street, people kept telling me it was a great fight and praising the resilience I showed," he added. "Looking at it impartially, look at it honestly, and break it down with my team, I really had a positive outlook on it. "Even with a knockdown, yes, it's close, but I still truly believe I won it by one round." Fisher says a torn biceps and cancelled fights hindered his preparations in the first fight. He relocated his training camp to Spain and believes he will win "in better fashion". Allen, 33, meanwhile is armed with a new-found confidence and is vowing to knock his friendly foe out. Asked about his opponent's prediction, Fisher replied: "You didn't do it last time, so what makes you think you're going to do it this time?"
Fisher puts away Mr Nice Guy for Allen rematch
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Johnny Fisher Aims for Stronger Performance in Rematch Against Dave Allen"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
British heavyweight boxer Johnny Fisher is preparing for a rematch against Dave Allen, scheduled for May 17 at the Copper Box Arena in London. Their previous encounter in December ended in a controversial split decision victory for Fisher, who remains undefeated with 13 professional wins. In that fight, Fisher was knocked down in the fifth round but managed to secure the win, leading to significant debate among boxing fans and commentators about the fairness of the decision. Fisher admitted that his friendly rapport with Allen might have affected his performance, stating that he had become too 'pally' before their first fight. This time, he is determined to adopt a more competitive mindset, emphasizing the importance of treating the bout as a serious contest rather than a friendly match. He acknowledged the criticism he received after the first fight, noting that while the media's reaction was largely negative, many fans expressed support for his resilience during the match.
Fisher's confidence heading into the rematch is bolstered by a change in his training regimen, which includes relocating his camp to Spain to enhance his preparation. He believes that despite the challenges he faced in the first match, including a torn biceps and disrupted training schedules, he can secure a more decisive victory against Allen this time. On the other hand, Allen, a seasoned fighter with a record of 23 wins, seven losses, and two draws, is also looking to capitalize on the rematch, vowing to knock out Fisher. The upcoming fight has drawn significant attention, with both fighters motivated to prove their capabilities and settle the score from their previous encounter. Fisher's journey in boxing has been marked by rapid success, but he understands the importance of maintaining focus and determination as he faces a rival who is equally eager to reclaim his standing in the heavyweight division.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reports on the upcoming rematch between British heavyweight boxers Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen, following a controversial previous fight that ended in a split decision victory for Fisher. The narrative suggests a shift in Fisher's mindset as he prepares to face Allen again, emphasizing the importance of their rivalry over their previous friendship. This framing may aim to evoke a sense of drama and anticipation among boxing fans.
Intent Behind the Publication
The article appears designed to generate interest and excitement leading up to the rematch. By highlighting Fisher's reflections on their past interactions and the contentious nature of the previous fight, it seeks to build a narrative of tension and rivalry. This strategy can engage fans who prefer drama and conflict in sports, contrasting with the more subdued approach the fighters took previously.
Public Perception
The narrative promotes the idea that too much camaraderie in boxing can undermine competitiveness, suggesting that Fisher's previous kindness may have affected his performance. This may resonate with fans who appreciate a more aggressive and less friendly approach to rivalries in combat sports. The article also indirectly critiques the boxing community's reaction to the split decision, hinting at a broader discussion on fairness and respect in the sport.
Omitted Aspects
While the article focuses on the fighters' personal dynamics and the fallout from their last match, it doesn't delve into the broader implications of such controversial decisions in boxing, including potential impacts on the fighters' careers or public perceptions of the sport. This omission may be an attempt to keep the narrative tightly focused on the upcoming fight, potentially sidelining discussions about judging fairness or the fighters' mental states.
Manipulative Elements
The article has a moderate level of manipulativeness, primarily through its framing of Fisher's change in attitude and the emphasis on the fighters' past friendship. This could be interpreted as an attempt to sway public sentiment towards Fisher or to create a more engaging story arc. The language used invites readers to consider the emotional stakes of the rematch, which could influence their support for either fighter.
Truthfulness of Content
The factual basis of the article is sound, as it reports on known events and statements from the fighters. However, the interpretation and emphasis placed on these facts are crafted to elicit a specific emotional response from readers, which may color their perception of the fighters and the match itself.
Societal and Economic Impacts
The upcoming fight has the potential to draw significant public interest, which may translate into economic benefits for the venue, sponsors, and the boxing industry as a whole. If Fisher wins decisively, it could elevate his status and marketability, affecting future matchups and promotions.
Target Audience
The article likely appeals to boxing enthusiasts and casual fans who enjoy narratives of rivalry and competition. It may also attract those who appreciate the personal stories behind the athletes, as well as the broader boxing community that engages in discussions about sportsmanship and ethics in the ring.
Market Implications
While the article may not directly influence stock prices, the outcome of such high-profile matches can affect the business of boxing promotions and related merchandise. Companies involved in sports broadcasting or boxing promotions might see fluctuations in their market performance based on the fight's outcome and public engagement.
Geopolitical Context
The story doesn't present significant geopolitical implications but reflects the ongoing popularity of boxing as a sport. It ties into broader themes of competition and rivalry, which resonate universally, although it does not explicitly connect to current global events.
AI Usage Considerations
There is no clear indication that AI was used in crafting this article. However, if AI were involved, it could have influenced the narrative structure or language choices to enhance engagement. The article's tone and focus suggest a human-driven editorial process rather than algorithmic generation.
Final Assessment
Overall, the article is factual but crafted to create a specific narrative that emphasizes rivalry and the emotional stakes of the rematch. Its manipulative elements lie in the framing of the fighters' relationship and the implications of their past interactions, which serve to heighten anticipation for the upcoming bout.