By Elliot Foster

Dave Allen has warned Dillian Whyte to be ready for when the pair clash later this month.

The Conisbrough-based heavyweight, 24, agreed terms to face the former British title challenger Whyte on July 30, exclusively live on Sky Sports.

Allen had been mentioned as a potential opponent for Whyte in the future, with the vacant Lonsdale belt at stake, but the British Boxing Board of Control kiboshed the idea of that by knocking Allen back as suitable.

But now the fight has been made for three weeks’ time at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, as part of the supporting cast to Josh Warrington’s WBC International featherweight title defence against former world title challenger Patrick Hyland.

And Allen has told Whyte to “be ready” on the night.

Whyte, who was originally set to take on an international opponent over six or eight rounds before potentially facing Allen in the autumn, had been slated to appear on this card since his last outing, which was a six-round stoppage of former Tony Bellew victim Ivica Bacurin on June 25 at London’s O2 Arena.

Allen, however, has taken the fight on short notice but doesn’t believe it will make a difference.

“I’ve always said if someone gave me a date and a reason to fight them I won’t shy away from anyone,” he said on social media.

“Three weeks’ notice? No f***s given. [It will be] chin down, bombs away and last man standing.

“Kell Brook [in taking the fight with middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin] has set the standard. Maybe I’m not going to be 100 per cent but, f*** it, I’ll give it 100 percent.

“[So] Dillian Whyte, see you [on] July 30. Be ready.”

A fresh appeal has been made by promoter Eddie Hearn to the British Boxing Board of Control to get this fight, now that it has been made, sanctioned for domestic honours.