Johnny Fisher’s Boxing Comeback and Future Plans

Johnny Fisher Returns to Copper Box Arena

Johnny Fisher will step back into the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, a place he knows well despite many changes in his boxing career. The East London venue was once a stronghold for him, where John Denver’s "Take Me Home, Country Roads" played during his ring walks and crowds cheered every punch as he maintained an unbeaten streak.

That streak ended last year when Dave Allen stopped him in the fifth round, handing Fisher his first professional loss and prompting critics to question his status in the heavyweight division. Now 27, Fisher headlines against Belgium’s Michael Pirotton in a 10-round fight, marking 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 who are better than me who have lost and come back.”

From Rugby to Boxing Fame

Fisher’s rise is unusual. With limited amateur experience and a background in university rugby, he quickly became a major domestic draw while still developing his skills. Much of his appeal came with his father, known as Big John. Their Chinese takeaway reviews, Essex humor, and the catchphrase "Bosh!" attracted fans beyond boxing, creating a traveling group known as the Bosh Army.

Fisher won his first 13 professional fights, but his initial bout with Allen in December 2024 revealed some weaknesses, scraping a controversial split-decision win. Five months later, Allen stopped him in the fifth round. His comeback against Ivan Balaz also raised questions despite a fourth-round stoppage victory.

These fights exposed doubts about Fisher’s boxing credentials and brought harsher scrutiny.

“Of course my fanbase is loyal, but when things go well, people jump on the bandwagon. When it goes wrong, there are those quick to say ‘we knew he’d never do it’ or ‘he’s no good,’” Fisher explained.

Some online critics claimed Fisher belonged more in crossover boxing than the serious heavyweight scene. He strongly rejects this.

“There are guys with hardly any boxing experience who have millions of followers on YouTube—think Jake Paul or Tommy Fury, who aren’t even at my level. If you’ve got a following like I do through me and my dad, that’s great. But I’m not an influencer boxer. I’m a professional boxer first.”

New Promotion, New Challenges

After five years with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, Fisher signed with Zuffa Boxing in July, admitting the financial offer was too good to refuse.

“I got made a fantastic financial offer, which I couldn’t turn down. Health isn’t guaranteed in this sport, let alone finances,” he said.

His first meeting with Dana White was fittingly over a Chinese meal shared with his father. The gym has also changed; Fisher parted ways with longtime trainer Mark Tibbs and now works with Tony Sims. He admits his past preparation sometimes lacked structure.

His current training camp includes about 160 rounds of sparring, altitude training, and 6 a.m. hill sprints.

Looking Ahead in Heavyweight Boxing

Despite all the change, Fisher keeps his ambitions grounded.

“I’m not Usyk, I’m no AJ, I’m not Fury. I’m not among the top guys in the division,” he said. “I’m aiming for domestic opponents like Frazer Clarke or Solomon Dacres, and fighting for the British title within 12 to 18 months would be amazing.”

Current British heavyweight champion Richard Riakporhe has expressed interest in facing Fisher if he beats Pirotton. This would be a significant step up, considering Riakporhe’s former cruiserweight world-title challenge experience.

Fisher remains focused on the immediate future.

“All I have to do is win my next fight. That’s what matters. Then things become clearer. My goal is to enjoy myself and give it a proper shot.”

Boxing Schedule and Results 2026

Upcoming Fight: Johnny Fisher vs. Michael Pirotton – 10 rounds at Copper Box Arena
Fisher’s Record: 14 wins (12 by knockout), 1 loss
Pirotton’s Record: 12 wins (6 by stoppage), 2 losses