Fisher edges Pirotton in laboured Zuffa debut — SkimNews
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- Johnny Fisher won his first fight under Dana White's Zuffa Boxing banner by majority decision over Michael Pirotton at London's Copper Box Arena, with scorecards reading 95-95, 98-92, and 96-95.
- Fisher, 27, improved to 15-1 professionally in his first bout since leaving Matchroom Boxing, though he appeared to feel the pace and was unable to find a finishing burst when he staggered Pirotton in the 10th round.
- Pirotton, 30, was cut around the eye from round two, had the wound examined by doctors in rounds four and seven, and fought with blood staining his white shorts throughout despite the damage.
- The 7,500-capacity Copper Box was well short of full, with the upper tier closed, though Fisher's 'Bosh Army' and father 'Big John' filled the gaps with noise for the 'Romford Bull.'
- British fighters Derek Chisora, Conor Benn, and Caroline Dubois sat alongside WWE stars AJ Styles and LA Knight, reflecting the shared TKO ownership that connects Zuffa Boxing and WWE.
- Fisher's history at the same venue is sharply split: a 36-second demolition of Alen Babic in July 2024, then a fifth-round stoppage loss to Dave Allen 10 months later — the split his career has yet to resolve.
- British heavyweight champion Richard Riakporhe has already offered Fisher a title shot, and Fisher said there is a 'good chance' a fight with former world-title challenger Dillian Whyte comes next, with Deontay Wilder also mooted.
Why it matters: Fisher's labored debut for his new promotion underlines the persistent gap between his ticket-selling profile and his ring résumé — at the same venue he demolished Alen Babic in 36 seconds before being stopped by Dave Allen in five, and a jump in level against Riakporhe or Whyte will finally test whether the British title talk is real.
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