Dave Allen cut a philosophical figure after losing a close, controversial split decision to Johnny Fisher in Riyadh on Saturday night.

After a difficult few years, Allen, 23-7-2 (18 KOs), dedicated himself to a full training camp with his trainers Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis and came within a punch or two of scoring a major upset.

The 32 year-old heavyweight will have expected the undefeated Fisher, 13-0 (11 KOs), to get off to a quick start but refused to panic and waited for the early storm to blow itself out. In the fifth, a left hook and a right hand put Fisher down for the first time in his career and he never really recovered.

From that point on, Allen was on top. Clearly the more knowledgeable, more naturally talented fighter - particularly inside - he just couldn’t find the clean punches or level of activity needed to put a defiant but hurt Fisher away. Time and time again he appeared to be on the verge of a stoppage victory but, time and time again, the moment would pass him by.

To his eternal credit, Fisher never stopped trying. Forced to rely on his heart rather than his power, he managed to stay in the fight and ground out the final round. That last ditch effort saved his unbeaten record. Had Allen taken the final three minutes, he would have returned home to Yorkshire with a shock unanimous decision victory.

The result brought inevitable cries of ‘robbery’ but whilst the general impression was that Allen was a clear winner of the fight, boxing is scored on a round by round basis and Fisher’s strong start and final round stand meant that he would always be in with a shout when the cards were announced.

Although he was clearly disappointed as the scorecards were announced, Allen was in a more positive mood by the time he got back to his hotel.

“I saw Johnny before. He’s alright, just a bit sore. I was a good fight, it was a cracking fight,” Allen said on social media.

“A lot of people are saying I won the fight but, for me, the performance and getting the British boxing public back on side after a few bad performances was what it was all about so I’m proud of myself. I’ll go home a happy man. I’m scratching the surface really. I’ve had 12 weeks of training. I was in the best condition I could be in but there’s a long way to go so I’m excited for what’s to come.

“I thought it was the end and it may only be the beginning so I’m excited.”