Johnny Fisher overcame a knockdown to secure his latest win.

For the first time in his career, the outcome was met with an unfavorable reaction.

The unbeaten heavyweight was considered fortunate to have escaped with a split decision victory over Dave Allen in their all-British affair. Judge Leszek Jankowiak (96-93) scored the bout for Allen but was overruled by Oliver Brien (95-94) and John Latham (95-94), who had it for Fisher.

The decision was met with a round of boos from the crowd on hand Saturday evening at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Fisher fought according to script through four rounds. Allen was willing to trade with his younger foe and former sparring partner, but outmatched during those moments.

Allen enjoyed moments of success with his right hand in the fourth, but landed with greater regularity in the fifth. It was a left hook midway through the round, however, that produced the bout's lone knockdown and a dramatic shift in momentum.

Fisher made it to his feet but slightly unsteady as action resumed. Allen attempted to catch lightning in a bottle but Fisher was able to withstand the onslaught and make it to the bell.

The second half belonged to Allen for the most part, though he left just enough room for two of the three judges to take it from him.

Fisher was once again in trouble in the seventh but avoided the canvas. Allen failed to capitalize, which opened the door for Fisher to regain control in the eighth.

Allen (23-7-2, 18 KOs) took the lead in the ninth but strangely coasted to the finish line, perhaps of the thought he'd banked enough rounds. Fisher (13-0, 11 KOs) offered one last stand, which turned out to be the difference between his first career defeat and his still unblemished mark.

The win capped a three-continent tour in as many fights for Fisher's 2024 campaign. He scored a pair of knockout wins, which came in his U.S. debut and in a July 6 headliner at Copper Box Arena in Hackney Wick.

Saturday ended Fisher's seven-fight knockout streak and also raised questions regarding his career ceiling.

Allen won his previous two outings, though versus walkover competition. Saturday's performance was far more impressive, even if in controversial defeat.

Headlining the show, Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) defends The Ring heavyweight championship and unified WBA, WBC and WBO titles against England's Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs). The bout is a rematch to their May 18 thriller, won by Usyk via split decision to produce the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.