Dave Allen wasted no time announcing his return to winning ways, stopping Karim Berredjem in a breathtaking 57 seconds at the Nottingham Arena on 21st February 2026.

The Doncaster heavyweight, affectionately known as the White Rhino, needed less than a minute to dispatch his French opponent on the undercard of the eagerly anticipated Leigh Wood versus Josh Warrington II rematch — and the crowd inside Nottingham Arena let him know exactly how much they appreciated it.

It was a performance that carried real significance. Allen was stepping back into the professional ring for the first time since suffering a unanimous decision defeat to the formidable Arslanbek Makhmudov in Sheffield last October, a contest in which he challenged for the WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title. That night in Sheffield, despite the loss, the reception Allen received from a packed arena was widely regarded as one of the most electric atmospheres witnessed in British boxing in years. Saturday evening suggested that warmth from the British public has not dimmed one bit.

From the opening bell, Allen set about his business with a ruthlessness and clarity of purpose that has not always characterised his 14-year professional career. Berredjem, who came in with a record of 12 victories and 10 defeats, found himself overwhelmed almost immediately. A sharp right hand rocked the Frenchman within the opening seconds, and Allen swarmed forward without hesitation, landing a series of punishing combinations that left his opponent in serious difficulty. Uppercuts followed, and with Berredjem unable to weather the storm, the towel came in from the red corner at 57 seconds of the first round — a TKO victory and the 25th of Allen’s professional career across 35 outings.

The Nottingham crowd, though a long way from Allen’s adopted home of Sheffield, gave the 33-year-old a reception that belied the modest billing of a six-round contest. There is something about Allen that resonates deeply with British fight fans — an honesty, a relatability, and a willingness to wear his heart firmly on his sleeve that sets him apart in a sport not always short of larger-than-life personalities.

Speaking afterwards, Allen was candid about his own shortcomings and characteristically self-deprecating. He acknowledged that releasing his punches freely has been a long-standing issue in his career, and credited the result to a determined effort to change that habit on the night. His trainer Jamie Moore, alongside Nigel Travis in the corner, was clearly influential in sharpening that focus. Promoter Eddie Hearn echoed those sentiments, pointing to the volume of punches thrown inside a single minute as evidence of what Allen is genuinely capable of when his full commitment is engaged.

It was, by any measure, a statement evening — not through any struggle or adversity, but through the sheer, uncomplicated authority of the performance.

In a professional career that has known enormous highs and deflating lows in equal measure, Saturday night served as a timely reminder that when Dave Allen applies himself with full conviction, he remains a formidable presence in the British heavyweight division. For Karim Berredjem, meanwhile, it was a difficult and painful introduction to a fighter operating well within his capabilities — and one the Frenchman will be keen to put firmly behind him.