Johnny Fisher Outpoints Michael Pirotton in Zuffa Debut

British heavyweight Johnny Fisher marked his debut with Zuffa Boxing by defeating a bloodied Michael Pirotton via majority decision at London's Copper Box Arena. Fisher, 27, secured the win in a close 10-round bout, though he showed signs of fatigue.

Belgian fighter Pirotton, 30, fought through an eye cut sustained early in the match. He was visibly shaken in the final round when Fisher pressed for a knockout, but managed to hold on. The judges' scorecards read 95-95, 98-92, and 96-95 in Fisher's favor.

Fisher departed the arena quickly after his win and skipped post-fight interviews. This victory marks his 15th in 16 professional fights, following his move from Matchroom Boxing to Dana White's Zuffa promotion.

The Copper Box Arena, with a capacity of 7,500, was not at full capacity, with some seating sections closed and empty seats visible. Fisher's dedicated fanbase, the 'Bosh Army', provided a loud reception for the 'Romford Bull'. Fisher, alongside his father 'Big John', has cultivated a significant following through candid social media content.

Fisher began aggressively, landing heavy hooks and marking Pirotton's eye in the first round. Pirotton, largely unknown, remained unfazed by the crowd and Fisher's initial onslaught, though the cut above his eye worsened by the second round. Pirotton insisted to the referee that he could continue when examined by a doctor in the fourth round. Despite the injury, he responded by trading blows with Fisher, and his fifth round was his strongest, as Fisher appeared to tire.

Notable attendees included British boxers Derek Chisora, Conor Benn, and Caroline Dubois, along with WWE stars AJ Styles and LA Knight. WWE is part of TKO, the parent company of Zuffa Boxing.

A doctor checked Pirotton's eye again before the seventh round, but the fight continued. In the final round, a short right hand from Fisher momentarily staggered Pirotton, raising hopes of a stoppage. However, Fisher could not complete the finish, and Pirotton suffered his third career loss in 15 fights.

Fisher's career has seen contrasting performances at the Copper Box Arena. In July 2024, he defeated Alen Babic in a swift 36-second knockout. Ten months prior, he was stopped in five rounds by Dave Allen in the same venue.

Fisher sought to move past the loss to Allen with Saturday's win, though the performance was not the dominant showing he may have desired. Fisher has expressed a desire to be recognized for his ring accomplishments rather than just his popularity and persona. His public profile has outpaced his in-ring achievements, and the defeats to Allen highlighted the gap he needs to close to realize his British title aspirations.

Current British heavyweight champion Richard Riakporhe has offered Fisher a title shot. A bout against Riakporhe, a former world cruiserweight champion, would be a significant step up in competition. Deontay Wilder has also been mentioned as a potential opponent, but a fight with former world title challenger Dillian Whyte appears more likely, with Fisher stating there is a "good chance" this contest could happen next.