When Johnny Fisher returns to the Copper Box Arena on Saturday evening, the venue will feel familiar, even though much has changed in his boxing journey. This East London arena was once a stronghold for Fisher, where John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” played during his ring entries and thousands of fans cheered every punch as he built an undefeated record.
That changed last year when Dave Allen defeated Fisher in the fifth round, handing him his first professional loss and causing some to question his place in the heavyweight division. Now 27, Fisher is making his comeback headlining against Belgium’s Michael Pirotton in a scheduled 10-round bout, which also marks his first fight under Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing promotion.
“Sure, I’ve had a loss, but one defeat doesn’t define my career,” Fisher told BBC Sport. “Many fighters better than me have lost and then bounced back.”
Fisher’s ascent in boxing has been anything but typical. With limited amateur experience and a background in university rugby, he quickly became a popular domestic draw while still developing his skills. Much of his appeal comes alongside his father, “Big John.” Their humorous Chinese takeaway reviews, Essex-style jokes, and Fisher’s catchphrase “Bosh!” have attracted a large following beyond boxing, forming a loyal fanbase dubbed the Bosh Army.
Fisher won his first 13 pro fights, but his initial clash with Allen in December 2024 revealed some weaknesses, as he narrowly secured a split-decision win. Five months later, Allen stopped Fisher in round five, and Fisher’s return against Ivan Balaz was also unimpressive despite winning with a fourth-round stoppage. These performances intensified doubts about Fisher’s boxing abilities and subjected him to criticism that contrasts with the positive attention he enjoyed earlier.
“Of course, my fans are loyal,” he admits, “but when things go well, people jump on the bandwagon, and when it goes wrong, some are quick to say ‘we knew he wouldn’t make it’ or ‘he’s no good.’”
There have also been online comments suggesting Fisher’s talents suit crossover boxing more than serious heavyweight contests, but he strongly rejects the idea that his popularity makes him an influencer boxer. “There are guys with barely any boxing experience who have millions of followers on YouTube, like Jake Paul and Tommy Fury, who aren’t even at my level,” he explains. “Having a following through me and my dad is great, but I’m a professional boxer first and foremost.”
After five years with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, Fisher signed with Zuffa Boxing in July, acknowledging the offer was financially too attractive to refuse. “I got an amazing deal I couldn’t turn down,” he says. “Our health isn’t guaranteed in this sport, nor are our finances.” His first meeting with Dana White fittingly took place over a Chinese meal shared with his father. “It was great to break bread — or prawn crackers — over a Chinese,” he adds.
There have been changes in the gym as well. Fisher parted ways with longtime coach Mark Tibbs and is now training with Tony Sims, noting that his previous approach sometimes involved “winging it.” This training camp has included about 160 rounds of sparring, altitude work, and early morning hill sprints.
Despite these changes, Fisher remains humble about his standing in the heavyweight ranks. “I’m not Usyk, not AJ, not Fury,” he says. “I’m not at the top of the division.” He mentions possible domestic opponents like Frazer Clarke and Solomon Dacres, and says fighting for the British title within the next 12 to 18 months would be “amazing.” Current champion Richard Riakporhe has expressed interest in facing Fisher should he defeat Pirotton, though Riakporhe would be a much tougher challenge.
“All I need to do is win my next fight,” Fisher concludes. “That’s what matters, and then things will become clearer. My goal is just to enjoy it and have a good fight.”
Fan Take: Johnny Fisher’s journey highlights the mix of talent, personality, and resilience that boxing fans crave. His story reminds us that setbacks are part of the sport, and his progress could inject fresh excitement into the heavyweight division.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
