British heavyweight Johnny Fisher secured a majority-decision victory over Michael Pirotton in his Zuffa Boxing debut at London’s Copper Box Arena on September 26, 2026, despite a bloodied contest marked by Pirotton’s eye injury and Fisher’s tactical resilience.
Fisher, the 27-year-old “Romford Bull,faced a durable Belgian opponent in Pirotton, who entered the fight with a 12-2 record and a reputation for enduring pressure. The 7,500-capacity venue was only partially filled, with the upper tier closed, but Fisher’s loyal
Bosh Army” provided a raucous atmosphere. Pirotton, bleeding from a cut eye sustained in the second round, fought gamely, rallying in the fifth and enduring multiple rounds of heavy exchanges. Fisher, meanwhile, showcased his power, landing decisive blows in the 10th round that briefly threatened a stoppage.
Fisher vs Pirotton
Fisher’s Zuffa Boxing debut marked a key step in his career after leaving Matchroom Boxing. The event, broadcast on Sky Sports, featured a strategic matchup against Pirotton, a fighter known for his resilience. Zuffa, owned by TKO (the parent company of WWE), positioned Fisher as a major draw, drawing on his established fanbase. The fight was Fisher’s first since leaving Matchroom Boxing and joining Dana White’s Zuffa promotion, following his previous bouts against Dave Allen. His victory over Pirotton, however, was far from dominant, with the judges splitting the decision 95-95, 98-92, and 96-95.
The bout was a test of endurance, with Pirotton’s eye injury forcing a medical check in the fourth round. Despite the setback, he continued, trading heavy punches and even briefly wobbling Fisher in the 10th. Fisher, though, maintained control through strategic counterpunching and superior power, particularly in the later rounds. The judges’ decision reflected a close contest, with Pirotton’s durability and Fisher’s tactical approach each earning points. After the fight, Fisher left the ring shortly after his arm was raised without doing an interview and also did not attend a post-fight interview, and Pirotton slipped to his third loss in 15 fights.
The fight also drew high-profile attendees, including British boxers Derek Chisora, Conor Benn, and Caroline Dubois, alongside WWE stars AJ Styles and LA Knight. This alignment underscored Zuffa’s growing crossover appeal, blending traditional boxing with entertainment. For Fisher, the victory was a step forward but highlighted the challenges ahead as he aims to challenge for the British heavyweight title. Richard Riakporhe, the current British heavyweight champion, has already offered Fisher a shot at the belt, though the path remains steep.
Fisher’s “Bosh Armydid their best to fill the gaps with noise, giving the
Romford Bulla raucous reception. Alongside his social-media star father
Big John,” Fisher has built a loyal following through an unusually unfiltered glimpse into family life, training camps, and the pair’s well-documented enthusiasm for Chinese takeaways. Fisher started with intent, swinging heavy hooks and reddening Pirotton’s eye in the opening round. The little-known Belgian was unfazed by the home support or Fisher’s pressure, but his eye was cut by the second. I can see, don’t stop the fight,
Pirotton told the referee before a doctor examined him in the fourth. Allowed to continue, he came out firing, but Fisher responded with a flurry to head and body. Blood stained Pirotton’s white shorts, yet he rallied in the fifth—his best round—as Fisher began to look tired and static.
Johnny Fisher vs Michael Pirotton Set for Zuffa Boxing
The doctor took another look at Pirotton before the seventh but allowed the bout to continue. Neither man was offering much by the latter stages until a short right hand from Fisher staggered Pirotton in the 10th. For a moment, a 13th stoppage victory appeared within reach, but Fisher could not find the finishing burst as Pirotton slipped to his third loss in 15 fights. Fisher left the ring shortly after his arm was raised without doing an interview and also did not attend a post-fight interview. The 27-year-old Essex fighter was the deserved winner in a close bout, but looked laboured at times and appeared to feel the pace over 10 rounds.
Among those in attendance were British fighters Derek Chisora, Conor Benn and Caroline Dubois, alongside WWE stars AJ Styles and LA Knight. WWE is owned by American sports and entertainment group TKO, which is also behind Zuffa Boxing. The doctor took another look at Pirotton before the seventh but allowed the bout to continue. Neither man was offering much by the latter stages until a short right hand from Fisher staggered Pirotton in the 10th. For a moment, a 13th stoppage victory appeared within reach, but Fisher could not find the finishing burst as Pirotton slipped to his third loss in 15 fights.