Johnny Fisher outpoints Michael Pirotton on Zuffa debut at Copper Box
Johnny Fisher claimed a majority points win over Michael Pirotton in his first fight for Zuffa Boxing at London's Copper Box Arena, prevailing on scores of 95-95, 98-92 and 96-95 over 10 rounds.
Johnny Fisher won his first fight under the Zuffa Boxing banner with a majority-points victory over Belgium's Michael Pirotton at London’s Copper Box Arena, BBC Sport reports. The 10-round contest went the distance with the judges scoring it 95-95, 98-92 and 96-95. Fisher, who went the distance for only the third time as a professional, claimed a 15th victory in 16 professional contests but was made to work for a decision against a bloodied and determined Pirotton.
Fisher earns majority decision as scorecards split
Cut eye and late wobble define a bruising 10 rounds
Pirotton suffered a cut around his eye early in the fight and was bleeding through his white shorts by the middle rounds. The referee called for a doctor’s inspection in the fourth and again before the seventh, and the ringside physician allowed him to continue both times. Pirotton rallied in the fifth, which BBC Sport described as his best round, while Fisher began to look laboured and static as the fight progressed. In the tenth, a short right from Fisher staggered Pirotton and briefly suggested a stoppage was possible, but Pirotton held on to the final bell.
Zuffa debut at under-capacity Copper Box amid celebrity attendance
Fisher made his Zuffa Boxing debut before a Copper Box crowd that was somehow short of the venue’s 7,500 capacity; the upper tier was closed, and empty seats were visible around the arena. Fisher’s following — the self-styled 'Bosh Army' — supplied vocal support, joined ringside by his father 'Big John', a frequent presence on the fighter’s social media. Also among those in attendance were British fighters Derek Chisora, Conor Benn and Caroline Dubois, plus WWE personalities AJ Styles and LA Knight. BBC Sport noted that WWE is owned by the American sports and entertainment group TKO, which is also behind Zuffa Boxing.
Past highs and lows at the same venue; bigger tests mooted
The Copper Box has already hosted contrasting moments in Fisher’s career. BBC Sport recalled that Fisher overwhelmed Alen Babic there in 36 seconds in July 2024, then suffered a five-round stoppage loss to Dave Allen at the same venue ten months later. Fisher has stated he wants to be seen as more than a popular ticket-seller, and the two meetings with Allen were described as highlighting the gap he must close to realise his stated British-title ambitions. Current British champion Richard Riakporhe has offered Fisher a shot at the belt, while former world champion Deontay Wilder has been mooted as an opponent. A meeting with former world-title challenger Dillian Whyte was described as the more realistic possibility, with Fisher saying there is a 'good chance' that contest could come next.