'The White Rhino' avenged his loss to his former sparring partner in Riyadh last year with a superb fifth-round stoppage victory at London's Copper Box Arena in May.

Now, after earning himself a two-fight deal with Matchroom following his success, the Doncaster heavyweight will face off with former WBC Silver champion Makhmudov.

Victory for Allen here could catapult him to a major payday bout with a leading contender, but the 33-year-old must first get past one of the division's most underrated operators.

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DAZN Expert Opinion: Why has this fight been made?

Having lost on points to the younger Fisher last December, Allen - who admitted he was set to retire afterwards - has found a new lease of life in the ring, with rich results.

His rematch victory over 'The Romford Bull' won him plaudits and, for the first time in his career, a belt too as he took the WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title in London.

With a 24-7-2 record, Allen has been one of the British scene's great journeymen fighters in the top glamour division, and has spent the summer linked to some major foes.

Ultimately, while dances with Joseph Parker or Deontay Wilder have failed to materialise, he has still secured a difficult opponent that will test his skills before a home crowd.

Makhmudov has some major scalps on his record, with a victory over Calos Takam in 2022 the biggest of his career thus far, though he has been shaken in the last two years.

Defeats to Agit Kabayel in 2023 and Guido Vianello in 2024 have left him at 20-2, and he will present a well-matched opponent for Allen as he eyes up a bigger fish to come.

Watch Itauma vs Whyte live on DAZN

You can watch Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte live on DAZN on August 16. More information is available here .