Johnny Fisher defeated Michael Pirotton by majority 10-round decision at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday, but the result was about the only thing that felt definitive. The fight itself, frankly, invited silence more than analysis.
The popular Romford heavyweight was making his debut under Zuffa Boxing, the Dana White-backed promotional outfit that reportedly paid substantial money to sign him away from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom. It was meant to be a fresh start. Instead, it looked like a continuation of the same old questions.
Fisher’s original opponent was rejected by the British Boxing Board of Control, so Belgium’s Pirotton, 12-3 (6 KOs), was brought in as a late replacement to headline Saturday’s show.
At 27, Fisher, 15-1 (12 KOs), is still rebuilding from his brutal stoppage defeat to Dave Allen in 2025. His next outing, a December win over Ivan Balaz, raised eyebrows when he had to climb off the floor. That was his first fight under trainer Tony Sims, and the hope was that nine more months in the gym would produce a sharper, more polished Fisher.
That progress remains debatable.
His most reliable defensive move was to dip his head so low that he was practically staring at the canvas. Fortunately for Fisher, Pirotton lacked the ability to make him pay for it. Fisher started quickly, pouring energy into the first three rounds, yet the only tangible reward was a cut above Pirotton’s eye. By the end of the fourth, he was back on his stool with his mouth wide open, clearly spent.
The remaining rounds do not need a detailed retelling. Fisher ducked low and swung wild shots while gasping for air. Pirotton jabbed, poked and largely missed. It was not a spectacle; it was a slog.
After 10 rounds, Fisher was awarded the win by scores of 95-95, 98-92 and 96-95. The 98-92 card felt especially generous. For Zuffa Boxing, the signing was a bold statement. For Fisher, the performance was a reminder that the rebuild is far from finished.