Dave Allen warned Arslanbek Makhmudov that Saturday night – in front of over 8,000 fans at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, live worldwide on DAZN – is his “world title fight”. (photos by Mark Robinson)

The two heavyweights collide this weekend as part of a bumper, back-to-back blockbuster Fight Night for Matchroom Boxing with Boots vs Lima in Philadelphia to look forward to afterwards.

Makhmudov, at 6ft 7in, towered over the ‘White Rhino’ as they faced-off in front of media at Thursday’s Press Conference. And although Allen is under no illusions that a gigantic test awaits in his native Yorkshire, he made it clear that he is in no mood to be messed with when the bells rings in less than 48 hours.