Johnny Fisher exclusive: “I’m going to give them action” ahead of ZUFFA Boxing debut vs Michael Pirotton

Johnny Fisher speaks exclusively to Combat Evolved about leaving Matchroom for ZUFFA Boxing, working with Dana White and facing Michael Pirotton at ZUFFA Boxing 11.

Johnny Fisher is preparing to return to the ring later this month, with the Romford heavyweight set to face Belgium’s Michael Pirotton at the Copper Box Arena on September 26 at ZUFFA Boxing 11.

The bout marks the ‘Romford Bull’s’ first boxing match under his new promotional home, ZUFFA Boxing, after the 28-year-old made the decision to part ways with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and sign with Dana White’s new boxing promotion.

Last time out, Fisher showed tremendous heart during his victory over the unbeaten Ivan Balaz in December in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Despite being knocked down by Balaz in the first round and having a point deducted for an illegal shot to his opponent’s lower body, Fisher ultimately had his hand raised after dropping Balaz three times in the fourth round.

Now, with his first fight under the ZUFFA Boxing banner fast approaching, Fisher spoke exclusively to Combat Evolved about his move away from Matchroom, what American audiences can expect from him and the challenges Pirotton will bring on fight night.

Why Johnny Fisher left Matchroom for ZUFFA Boxing

Fisher’s move to ZUFFA Boxing marked a major shift in direction for the Romford heavyweight, having previously spent his entire professional career under the Matchroom banner.

Speaking to Combat Evolved, Fisher explained that the decision to make the switch ultimately came down to his belief that the value he brought to the table was not being reflected in his previous deal.

“I've been with Matchroom Boxing my whole life. My contract was coming to an end with Matchroom and had an offer. I thought I'm worth a bit more than this to be honest with you because of what I've headlined before, what I can bring to a fight, all the eyes we bring,” Fisher said.

Fisher added: “ZUFFA [offered] around the same sort of time. They made an offer and it’s what I thought I was worth.”

The decision also meant Fisher would find himself working with one of the biggest names in combat sports, with ZUFFA Boxing headed by UFC president Dana White.

Given Fisher’s background in boxing, the Romford heavyweight admitted that the opportunity was one he never expected to come his way.

“I've ended up signing with ZUFFA and Dana White, which I never thought would ever happen in my wildest dreams because I've always associated Dana White with UFC and mixed martial arts,” Fisher said.

“I’m going to give them action”

Johnny Fisher has already built a strong following in Britain through his exciting style of boxing and larger-than-life personality, with his father, ‘Big John’ Fisher, helping to build the ‘Romford Bull’ brand along the way.

Now, the heavyweight has an opportunity to take that appeal across the Atlantic, with his ZUFFA debut providing Fisher with a chance to show American boxing fans exactly what he is about.

“I just want them to know that I'm going to give them action. I'm going to give them excitement,” Fisher said.

“I don't think I've ever been in a boring fight, and I know what my job is: to entertain them people that come and watch me fight, who tune in to watch me on Sky Sports and through the ZUFFA Boxing channels.”

But before Fisher can fully establish himself in ZUFFA Boxing, he has a dangerous test waiting for him inside the Copper Box.

Fisher breaks down the Michael Pirotton challenge

Standing opposite him on September 26 will be Belgium’s Michael Pirotton, with the 12-2 heavyweight bringing a different challenge to the one Fisher faced against Balaz.

Fisher is expecting a physical challenge from his opponent, who he described as a tall, rangy fighter capable of maintaining a high work rate at heavyweight.

The Romford heavyweight knows that simply walking Pirotton down could play into his opponent’s hands, with Fisher instead looking to close the distance intelligently and force the Belgian into exchanges.

“He's quite a tall boxer, he's a little bit taller than me, he'll be rangy, he's got a high work rate, he's quite fleet of foot,” Fisher told Combat Evolved.

“So I've got to not go chasing him around the ring, I've got to go cut him off and I think my physicality will be too much.”

“I've got to be my aggressive self. I've got to listen to the tactics that Tony [Sims] has given me. And I've got to be super fit,” Fisher said.

With his promotional debut now fast approaching, Fisher will be looking to make an immediate impression under the ZUFFA Boxing banner.

Pirotton’s movement and work rate may provide a stern test for the Brit, but Fisher appears confident that his pressure, physicality and relentless pace can prove decisive when the two men meet at the Copper Box.

Fisher certainly won’t be short of familiar support inside the Copper Box, with the Bull Army expected to descend on London in full force, packing out the arena and creating the kind of atmosphere that has become synonymous with a night featuring the ‘Romford Bull’.

With a new chapter beginning under ZUFFA Boxing, Fisher will be hoping to give the Bull Army plenty to roar about when he steps through the ropes on September 26.

Henry Elwell

Henry Elwell is a sports writer based in Lincoln, UK, specialising in combat sports coverage across both boxing and mixed martial arts. Alongside his writing, Henry has gained experience presenting boxing events, attending press conferences and hosting media events, building a broad range of skills during his time at the University of Lincoln. He also played a key role in the University of Lincoln's coverage of Lincoln City F.C. during the club's title-winning 2025/26 campaign. His work included writing match reports and feature articles, as well as interviewing the team's manager and numerous first-team players.