When Johnny Fisher steps back into the Copper Box Arena this Saturday, the venue will feel familiar despite many changes in his career. The East London arena was once a stronghold where the crowd cheered him on as his unbeaten record climbed. His ring walk was always accompanied by John Denver’s "Take Me Home, Country Roads," creating an electric atmosphere.
That all shifted last year when Dave Allen stopped Fisher in the fifth round, marking Fisher’s first professional loss and sparking doubts about his status in the heavyweight division. Now, at 27, Fisher headlines a 10-round fight against Belgium's Michael Pirotton, making his promotional debut with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
"Yeah, I had a loss, but one loss can't define your career," Fisher told BBC Sport. "There are many people before me, better than me, who have lost and come back."
From Rugby to Boxing Fame
Fisher’s rise has been unusual. With limited amateur experience and a background in university rugby, he quickly became a popular figure domestically while still developing his boxing skills. Much of his appeal came from his relationship with his father, "Big John," whose Chinese takeaway reviews and Essex humor, paired with Fisher’s famous catchphrase "Bosh!", attracted fans beyond the sport. Their support group, the "Bosh Army," traveled to cheer him on.
Fisher won his first 13 professional bouts, but the first fight with Allen in December 2024 exposed some weaknesses, escaping with a controversial split decision. Then Allen stopped him in the fifth round five months later. His comeback victory over Ivan Balaz was also unconvincing, although it ended in a fourth-round stoppage. These moments raised questions about Fisher’s boxing ability and brought harsher criticism.
"Of course my fanbase is loyal," Fisher said. "But when things go well, people jump on the bandwagon. When it goes wrong, some say they always doubted me or that I’m no good."
Some critics suggested Fisher was better suited to crossover boxing rather than serious heavyweight competition, but he strongly rejects the idea that he's an influencer boxer.
"There are guys with hardly any boxing experience who have millions of followers on YouTube. Think Jake Paul and Tommy Fury—they aren’t even at my level," he said. "If you have a following, that's great, but I’m a professional boxer first."
Looking Ahead: New Team and Ambitions
After five years with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, Fisher signed with Zuffa Boxing in July, describing the financial offer as too good to refuse.
"I got made a fantastic financial offer, which I couldn’t turn down," he explained. "Health isn’t guaranteed in this sport, let alone finances."
His first meeting with Dana White happened over a Chinese meal shared with his father. Fisher says breaking bread (or prawn crackers) together was a good start.
Fisher has also switched trainers, leaving longtime coach Mark Tibbs for Tony Sims. He admits past training camps were less disciplined, but this time included about 160 rounds of sparring, altitude work, and early morning hill sprints.
Despite the changes, Fisher remains realistic about his place in the heavyweight scene.
"I’m not Usyk, I’m not AJ, I’m not Fury," he said. "I’m not those top guys at the very top of the division."
He named domestic opponents like Frazer Clarke and Solomon Dacres as potential matchups and said fighting for the British title within 12 to 18 months would be fantastic. Current British champion Richard Riakporhe, a former cruiserweight world-title challenger, is open to facing Fisher if he beats Pirotton, though that would be a big step up.
"All I’ve got to do is win my next fight," Fisher said. "That’s what matters. Then the picture becomes clearer. My goal is to enjoy it and give it my best shot."
Boxing Schedule and Results 2026
- Upcoming Fight: Johnny Fisher vs Michael Pirotton - 10 rounds
- Previous Record: 14 wins, 12 knockouts, 1 loss
- Opponent Michael Pirotton’s Record: 12 wins, 6 stoppages, 2 losses
