British heavyweight Johnny Fisher secured a hard-fought majority decision victory over Belgium’s Michael Pirotton at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, emerging through a punishing 10-round contest that tested his conditioning and left both fighters marked.
Fisher Survives Pirotton Test at the Copper Box Arena
Johnny Fisher returned to the ring following his switch to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, stepping into the headline slot at the London venue where he previously suffered his lone career defeat against Dave Allen. Facing a durable 30-year-old opponent who had never been stopped, Fisher pushed forward early behind double jabs and a raucous atmosphere generated by his traveling supporters.
Pirotton quickly made his presence felt, catching the “Romford Bull” with a sharp one-two just 30 seconds into the opening round. Despite eating the counter-punch, Fisher adjusted under the guidance of new trainer Tony Sims, bobbing and weaving to stay in the pocket while ripping punches into the Belgian’s body. The sustained body attack paid off in the second round, opening a deep cut over Pirotton’s left eye that immediately began streaming blood.
Cuts and Exhaustion Shape the Middle Rounds
As the blood flowed, the ringside doctor examined Pirotton’s left eye multiple times—first in the fourth round and again before the seventh—but allowed the contest to continue. Sensing an opening, Fisher stepped up his aggression, landing a hard left hook to the body followed by a right hand to the head that sent Pirotton stumbling back toward the ropes.
However, the explosive pace caught up with Fisher as energy reserves began to drain. By the fifth round, the British heavyweight appeared noticeably fatigued and planted his feet. Pirotton capitalized on the slowdown, driving heavy right crosses into a tiring Fisher and landing follow-up head shots that brought the Belgian back into the fight.
Scorecards Overrule Close Contendings in the Final Bell
Entering the championship rounds, both fighters looked spent after a frantic opening half of the bout. Fisher found brief second winds through chopping hooks, while Pirotton continued to thread right hands over Fisher’s drooping jab. By the final round, Pirotton’s left eye was almost fully closed, yet he stood his ground as Fisher launched wild right-hand windmilling shots fueled by the roaring crowd.
When the 10 rounds concluded, one judge scored the bout even at 95-95. A second judge had it 96-95 for Fisher, while the third wide scorecard read 98-92 in favor of the Romford fighter, handing him the majority decision.
Did you know? Michael Pirotton entered the bout having never been knocked down during his seven-year professional career, going the distance in both of his prior career defeats.
Undercard Results at the Copper Box Arena
Lee Cutler also picked up a dominant unanimous decision win over Louis Greene, with judges scoring it 98-92 and 97-93 twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Johnny Fisher vs. Michael Pirotton fight?
Johnny Fisher won by majority decision after 10 rounds, with judges scoring the bout 95-95, 96-95, and 98-92.
What promotion does Johnny Fisher fight for?
Johnny Fisher competes under Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, having signed with the promotion in July following his departure from Matchroom Boxing.
Did Michael Pirotton get knocked out?
No. Despite sustaining cuts over his left eye and absorbing heavy pressure, Pirotton went the full 10-round distance, maintaining his record of never having been stopped.
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