LONDON, England — Less than an hour after producing a knockout-of-the-year contender to stun Johnny Fisher in their much-anticipated heavyweight rematch, Dave Allen was even-keeled as ever.

Having long admitted his surprise that Fisher's handlers agreed to an immediate rematch, less than six months after a contentious 10-round split decision loss in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 33-year-old ensured finality this time around.

Talking on Matchroom's Small Talk post-fight show, Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs) conceded he was overconfident after finding frequent success against a former sparring partner and friend who hadn't improved enough to worry him.

"Aside from Frazer Clarke, I hadn't boxed anyone [of note] at all since 2019 so after 10 rounds from the first fight, probably got a bit overconfident and put a bit of weight on. I knew I would win, all the way through. After 30 seconds, three rounds, it was just a matter of time before I caught him."

Allen, who admitted his now-late grandfather George wouldn't speak to him "for a while" after the Clarke display, announced his retirement from the sport in 2020 and admitted he was close to walking away during the build-up to their first outing.

Now though, this unexpected two-fight series has ignited new life in the 33-year-old and he belatedly clinched his first professional title as the WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight champion, too.

The proud Doncaster man, whose lengthy resume includes defeats by former WBC interim champion Dillian Whyte, two-time title challenger Luis Ortiz and 2016 Olympic champion Tony Yoka, had banked almost 100 more pro rounds than Fisher (13-1, 11 KOs).

That came in handy, knowing how and when to navigate potentially dangerous moments as he appeared briefly hurt by body shots before declaring he'd suffered a perforated eardrum in Round 3.

"People think I'm an exciting fighter. I don't like getting hit at all — just not as good at getting out of the way as some. Johnny's a very nice kid but just a novice really. It was probably one of the easiest fights I've ever had."

Allen was 7.5 pounds heavier than the first fight, tipping the scales at 265 — second-highest of his career — and it's no surprise he felt the pace of their second matchup with Fisher exerting energy aplenty to assert himself early on.

"I felt a bit slow and sluggish in there, weighed too heavy but soaked his shots up and this time, was fitter," he told The Ring's Louis Hart.

"We were working on certain little things like throwing certain combinations on the pads with Jamie and Nigel. It all paid off. It was a lot easier, too easy. I've trained hard and knew I'd get to him.

"Ate too much and started a diet every Monday but it didn't work, though I knew I'd win anyway," he continued.

Allen had just produced a career-best display against an unbeaten prospect, securing future paydays with Eddie Hearn in the process, so why was he not exactly excited after this?

"I'm not overly enthusiastic because that is a certain level and isn't the top level. I won an national amateur title in 2011 ... 2025 and I'm starting to do a little bit, so that's good," he admitted on Small Talk.

"I trained really hard, just couldn't keep out of the fridge. I gave every training session 100 percent. They [his coaches] wouldn't let me do anything else, but I do have a problem. Wanted to be a little heavier anyway for the body shots — knew he could hurt me there — but was so confident, wasn't nervous or nothing, knew I would win."

Newly minted British heavyweight champion David Adeleye (14-1, 13 KOs) did colour commentary for the BBC ringside and may feature as a future opponent. Allen reminded those who would listen that nothing would surpass his third-round stoppage win over Lucas Browne in April 2019, when he headlined the O2 Arena, and was keen to stay grounded after this one.

"I like boxing at this level. I'm a British level fighter, skilful as anyone really, tricky and the average boxing fan who doesn't know ... thinks I'm just fat and tough, but I'm quite clever, hit hard. Don't want to box these really top guys, just box at this level and entertain. It's about being in good fights more than winning big titles."