Dave Allen: Fury Stops Joshua, But It's Risky

Dave Allen believes Tyson Fury will stop Anthony Joshua inside the distance when the two heavyweights finally meet, but the journeyman turned pundit is also warning that Fury's path to that finish is loaded with danger.

Allen has sparred both Fury and Joshua over the years, which gives him a rare firsthand feel for how each man's power and timing actually hold up in the gym. Speaking on talkSPORT's The Verdict alongside Frazer Clarke, Allen pointed to Joshua's performance in his most recent fight as the reason he thinks the finish is coming. "The Prenga fight, Joshua's punch resistance looks to be all gone," Allen said. He didn't rule out the reverse outcome either, acknowledging Joshua still carries the power to knock Fury out himself.

Why Dave Allen Thinks Fury Finishes Joshua

Allen's case rests on recovery, not just power. If Joshua can no longer shake off a clean shot the way he once did, Fury has every incentive to test that chin early rather than box patiently from range. One good punch, in Allen's view, could open the door to a stoppage before Joshua gets his legs back under him.

That theory comes with real holes. Nobody has said when Allen's sparring with either man took place, and gym work from years ago tells you little about reflexes and conditioning today. Fury hasn't fought in nearly three years, and whatever he has left in his legs and reactions matters just as much as whatever Joshua has lost in his chin. Sparring memories don't settle either question.

The Risk In Fury Rushing The Finish

Chasing a stoppage is exactly the game plan that could get Fury hurt. Joshua's best weapon has always been the counter right hand he throws off the back foot, and a Fury who wades forward without a tight guard or an effective jab is walking into that punch rather than around it. Allen's own breakdown concedes the point: force the pace carelessly, and Joshua may land first.

That tension, speed to finish versus risk of getting countered, is the entire fight in miniature. Fury stopping Joshua early is a live outcome. So is Joshua catching an overaggressive Fury on the way in.

Betting Angle

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua is set for December 11 in Cardiff, and Fury has opened as a clear betting favorite, with markets installing him around 1-2. That price reflects Fury's size, southpaw craft and the chin questions Allen is pointing to, but it may be underpricing the knockout-counter scenario Allen himself flags. Bettors looking at stoppage or round props should weigh that early-pocket risk for Fury rather than assuming a comfortable night on the way to a finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Dave Allen say about Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua?

Dave Allen said he expects Tyson Fury to stop Anthony Joshua early, citing concerns about Joshua's punch resistance, though he also acknowledged Joshua could knock Fury out.

When is Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua?

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are scheduled to meet on December 11 in Cardiff.

Who is favored to win Fury vs Joshua?

Tyson Fury has opened as the betting favorite over Anthony Joshua, with markets pricing him around 1-2.