Johnny Fisher claimed a hard-earned majority decision victory over Belgian contender Michael Pirotton, securing his first professional win under the Zuffa Boxing banner. The bout took place at London’s Copper Box Arena, marking a significant moment in the 27-year-old Essex fighter’s career.
Fisher, known as the “Romford Bull,” was deemed the deserving winner in a closely contested ten-round battle, though he appeared to struggle with the pace as the rounds progressed. Pirotton, 30, fought valiantly despite suffering a cut around the eye early in the contest. The injury was examined by a ringside doctor in the fourth round, but after Pirotton insisted he could still see, the bout was allowed to continue.
The judges’ scores reflected the closeness of the fight, with one card tied at 95-95, while Fisher won the other two 98-92 and 96-95. The victory moves Fisher to 15 wins from 16 professional contests and marks his first appearance since departing Matchroom Boxing to join Dana White’s promotion.
Although the 7,500-capacity venue was not sold out, Fisher’s devoted supporters, dubbed the “Bosh Army,” along with his father and social media personality “Big John,” provided a raucous atmosphere. The event also drew notable attendees including British boxers Derek Chisora, Conor Benn, and Caroline Dubois, as well as WWE superstars AJ Styles and LA Knight, whose parent company TKO also owns Zuffa.
Fisher started aggressively, landing heavy hooks that reddened Pirotton’s face and led to the second-round cut. Despite the blood staining his white shorts, Pirotton rallied effectively in the fifth round, which many viewed as his best, as Fisher began to show signs of fatigue. A sharp right hand from Fisher in the tenth round briefly threatened a stoppage, but he could not find the final burst to secure a knockout.
This performance serves as a crucial step for Fisher, who previously suffered a comprehensive fifth-round stoppage loss to Dave Allen at the same venue ten months ago. While Fisher has built a massive profile through viral content and fan engagement, he remains eager to prove his ring prowess matches his popularity.
Looking ahead, current British heavyweight champion Richard Riakporhe has offered Fisher a title shot, which would represent a significant leap in competition. Additionally, former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has been linked, but Fisher indicated that a bout with former title challenger Charles Martin appears to be the more immediate and realistic possibility.
Charles Martin next makes total sense, but why are people still talking about Wilder? Let’s see him work first.
Did anyone else think Pirotton’s cut cost him more than just round four? He looked impaired throughout.
Finally beat a real top contender! The move to Zuffa is paying off for the Romford Bull.
Wow, 98-92 feels generous for a fight that looked much closer to me. That third round was brutal.