Fisher Outpoints Bloodied Pirotton in Zuffa Debut

Johnny Fisher, a British heavyweight, won his debut fight under Zuffa Boxing, defeating Michael Pirotton by majority decision. The bout took place at London's Copper Box Arena.

Fisher, 27, was the clear winner in a close contest, though he showed signs of fatigue over the 10 rounds.

Pirotton, 30, from Belgium, fought with a cut around his eye from early in the match but showed resilience. He was shaken in the final round when Fisher nearly secured a stoppage, but Pirotton held on. The judges' scores were 95-95, 98-92, and 96-95.

Fisher left the arena quickly after his win and did not participate in post-fight interviews.

This victory marks Fisher's 15th in 16 professional fights. It was his first appearance since leaving Matchroom Boxing and joining Dana White's Zuffa promotion.

The 7,500-capacity Copper Box Arena was not full, with the upper tier closed and scattered empty seats.

Fisher's supporters, known as the 'Bosh Army', created a lively atmosphere for the fighter they call the 'Romford Bull'.

Fisher, often seen with his social media personality father 'Big John', has cultivated a dedicated fanbase through his candid insights into family life, training, and their shared fondness for Chinese food.

Fisher began the fight aggressively, landing heavy hooks and causing Pirotton's eye to bleed in the first round.

Pirotton seemed unfazed by the crowd and Fisher's initial pressure, but the cut above his eye worsened by the second round.

Pirotton told the referee he could still see before a doctor examined him in the fourth round.

After being cleared to continue, Pirotton came back strong, but Fisher answered with a combination of punches to the head and body.

Despite blood staining his shorts, Pirotton had his best round in the fifth as Fisher appeared to tire and become more static.

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

The doctor checked Pirotton again before the seventh round, but the fight continued.

In the later rounds, both fighters offered little until Fisher landed a short right hand that staggered Pirotton in the 10th.

For a brief moment, a 13th stoppage victory seemed possible, but Fisher could not finish the fight. Pirotton suffered his third loss in 15 bouts.

The Copper Box Arena has seen contrasting moments in Fisher's career. In July 2024, he knocked out Alen Babic in just 36 seconds. Ten months prior, in the same venue, he was stopped in five rounds by Dave Allen.

Fisher aimed to put the loss to Allen behind him with this victory, though it wasn't the dominant performance he might have sought.

Fisher has expressed a desire to be recognized for his boxing skills, not just his popularity as a ticket-seller and his online presence.

His public profile has grown faster than his in-ring achievements. The defeats to Allen highlighted the gap he needs to close to achieve his ambition of winning the British title.

Current British heavyweight champion Richard Riakporhe has offered Fisher a title shot. A fight against Riakporhe, a former cruiserweight world champion, would be a significant step up in competition compared to Pirotton.

While a fight with Deontay Wilder has been discussed, a bout with former world title challenger Dillian Whyte appears more likely, with Fisher stating there's a "good chance" that fight could happen next.