Sports
BRITISH heavyweight Johnny Fisher began his career under the Zuffa Boxing banner with a majority decision victory over Belgium’s Michael Pirotton at London’s Copper Box Arena.
Fisher, 27, was awarded the close 10-round contest after the judges scored it 98-92, 96-95 and 95-95 in his favour.
Pirotton, 30, fought much of the contest with a cut around his eye but remained competitive and survived a late challenge from Fisher.
The Belgian was staggered by a short right hand in the final round, briefly giving Fisher an opportunity to secure his 13th stoppage victory.
However, Fisher could not produce the finishing burst and the bout went to the judges.
The victory was Fisher’s 15th in 16 professional fights and his first since leaving Matchroom Boxing to join Dana White’s Zuffa promotion.
Fisher started aggressively, landing heavy hooks and opening a cut around Pirotton’s eye in the second round.
Pirotton asked the referee not to stop the contest after being examined by a doctor in the fourth round.
“I can see, don’t stop the fight,” he said.
Despite the injury, Pirotton responded strongly in the fifth round as Fisher began to show signs of fatigue.
The doctor examined the Belgian again before the seventh round and allowed the fight to continue.
Fisher appeared increasingly laboured during the later rounds, but did enough to secure victory and improve his record.
It was only the third time Fisher had gone the distance as a professional.
The result gives Fisher an opportunity to build momentum following his five-round stoppage loss to Dave Allen in the same venue in May 2025.
Fisher has said he wants to establish himself as more than a popular attraction, with ambitions of challenging for the British heavyweight title.
Current British champion Richard Riakporhe has offered Fisher a title opportunity, although that would represent a significant step up in opposition.
A potential fight with former world champion Deontay Wilder has also been discussed, while Fisher has said there is a “good chance” he could face former world-title challenger Dillian Whyte next. (BBC)
M.P
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