Overcoming one of British boxing's most popular talents has seen 'The White Rhino' gain a sizable fanbase of his own and he is now preparing for an epic homecoming.

Allen's return to the city of Sheffield is scheduled for October 11, live on DAZN, and he will be facing Arslanbek Makhmudov, one of the heavyweight division's most fearsome operators.

For Allen, taking on Makhmudov in what should be a celebratory evening could not be a tougher test. 

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But before making the decision to face Makhmudov, Allen revealed that he wanted to face an old rival in a trilogy fight.

"I asked about Lenroy Thomas and Chris Lovejoy, and I got told f—g where to go," Allen told The Stomping Ground.

"Ed said f—k off."

Then came the realisation that Thomas is retired after fighting for the final time in 2022.

"No he’s not, but he would have been perfect," Allen responded when asked whether 'TNT' was still active, "I’d f—g do you this time."

• Read next | Dave Allen was 'baffled' by huge surprise ahead of Arslanbek Makhmudov clash

Allen and Thomas' rivalry played out over two fights in 2017 and 2018.

The first encounter Thomas won at Bramall Lane by split decision and became the Commonwealth heavyweight champion.

They would then meet in a rematch for the same title a year later, and this contest ended in a technical draw after Allen was cut following an accidental headbutt. 

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.