Dave Allen steps into the ring against Filip Hrgovic today with his sights set on something even bigger – a shot at Tyson Fury.
The popular Doncaster heavyweight has put himself forward as the opponent for Fury's warm-up fight ahead of the former champion's long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua later this year.
"If I beat Hrgovic, Tyson Fury is getting called out," Allen told Sky Sports. "100 per cent."
What's brilliant is Allen's commitment goes beyond just winning. "Even if I lose to Hrgovic but put a good fight up, I want the Fury fight," he added.
Dave Allen will "100 per cent" call out Tyson Fury if he beats Filip Hrgovic
|GETTY
Taking on Hrgovic won't be easy, and Allen knows it. The Croatian will be his fourth Olympic medallist opponent – a testament to just how many top-level fighters he's faced throughout his career.
It comes after a brutal 12-round defeat to Arslanbek Makhmudov back in October, the same fighter Fury dispatched on his return to the ring last month.
"I'll do what I can but it's going to be hard work," Allen admitted.
Still, he's genuinely excited rather than daunted. "I'm buzzing for it, I'm excited for it, I'm not under no pressure. All the pressure's on Filip."
Allen reckons he'll catch his opponent off guard. "I think Filip Hrgovic will get a real big surprise actually. I think he'll be surprised by my speed and my ability."
Tyson Fury looked in good shape against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month
| REUTERSThe heavyweight division is absolutely electric right now, and promoter Frank Warren can't hide his enthusiasm.
"It's so alight, it's so electric, this heavyweight division. So many good fights to be made and they're all vying to get into contention for the big fights," Warren told Sky Sports.
Should Hrgovic emerge victorious and unscathed, rising star Moses Itauma could be next on his radar, with Warren confirming a decision would come next week.
Allen's under no illusions about expectations. "I've sold the tickets just so he can come over here and bang me out in a few rounds and call Itauma out – I know the script," he said.
Last weekend's heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley left Allen genuinely shaken.
Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois put on an epic blockbuster last week
| REUTERS"I hope my fight's not that good on Saturday. That was terrifying," he said. "I think it was one of the best fights I've ever seen through five or six rounds."
Allen praised Dubois's devastating left hand, having experienced it firsthand in sparring. "His jab hurts more than his right hand," he revealed.
The brutal nature of the contest stuck with him. "It was like 10 fights in one that. Daniel Dubois was just teeing off on him. He's so tough Wardley."
Allen's honest assessment? "If I got a good hiding like that I don't think I'd box again. I don't think I'd leave the house again!"