Johnny Fisher’s next challenger has been officially named as Michael Pirotton, setting the stage for the much‑anticipated return of the so‑called "Romford Bull" to the ring next month. The British heavyweight, who currently boasts a record of 14 wins, 1 loss with 12 victories coming by way of knockout, will make his inaugural appearance under the Zuffa Boxing banner when he steps into the squared circle against Belgium’s Michael Pirotton.
The bout is scheduled as the ten‑round main event on Sky Sports, slated for Saturday, September 26, and will be broadcast live to a wide audience. Fisher closed out the previous calendar year on a high note, delivering a decisive stoppage against Ivan Balaz in December. That win helped him regain momentum after a setback earlier in the year, when he suffered a rematch defeat to David Allen in May. The victory over Balaz not only restored confidence but also reinforced Fisher’s reputation as a powerful, aggressive fighter capable of ending contests before the final bell.
Michael Pirotton enters the contest with a respectable professional record of 12 wins, 2 losses and six knockouts. The Belgian pugilist made his professional debut in 2019 and quickly built a streak of ten consecutive victories, showcasing a blend of technical skill and durability. Although he dropped two decision losses to unbeaten opponents in 2025, he rebounded in the current year with a pair of impressive stoppage wins, demonstrating his ability to recover and adapt after setbacks.
Notably, Pirotton has never been knocked down in his career, a fact that Fisher appears eager to challenge. Speaking to Sky Sports, Fisher expressed a mixture of excitement and determination ahead of the fight. "I'm excited, but I'm also driven and determined," he said.
"The next fight is always the hardest fight, and everyone I fight is a dangerous opponent because they're getting onto this show with Sky Sports, Zuffa, with the Romford Bull Army there. It's a golden ticket for Michael Pirotton, but it's also my golden ticket because if I win, I get to go on to bigger and better things.
I've got ambitions in this game." These remarks underline Fisher’s belief that the bout is a pivotal stepping‑stone in his career, offering the chance to secure higher‑profile match‑ups and potentially contend for regional or even world titles. Fisher’s confidence is rooted in his physical attributes. He repeatedly emphasizes his power, strength, and explosive style, stating, "You want to get the knockout, you want to get the stoppage, but I've always said from the beginning of my career, I've got to win by whatever cost – the win is the most important thing. But with my power, my strength, my explosivity, of course I can draw a knockout or draw a stoppage.
Once I get someone hurt, I know I can finish them. I can smell when someone's feeling it or in trouble." This self‑assessment suggests that Fisher plans to press the action, looking for openings to unleash his trademark heavy‑handed blows. The event itself is stacked with additional fights that promise to keep viewers engaged throughout the evening.
Alongside the Fisher‑Pirotton showdown, the card features a ten‑round light‑heavyweight co‑main event pitting Craig "Spider" Richards against Radivoje "Hot Rod" Kalajdzic. The British middleweight division will also be represented in a ten‑round clash between Lee Cutler (16‑2, 8 KOs) and Louis Greene (19‑4, 12 KOs).
In the lower‑weight categories, welterweight Alex MacMillan (4‑0, 3 KOs) and light‑heavyweight Leon Hughes (5‑0, 4 KOs) will each compete in separate six‑round bouts, while lightweight prospects Kayla Allen and Fred Pullen are set to make their professional debuts, adding fresh talent to the lineup. Fisher’s promotional team has highlighted the importance of the fight for his long‑term aspirations. A victory would not only cement his status as a rising heavyweight star but also likely secure him a spot on larger, possibly international, cards. The partnership with Zuffa Boxing and the exposure on Sky Sports provide a platform that could attract global promoters and open doors to title eliminators or even championship opportunities.
From a tactical perspective, Fisher will need to navigate Pirotton’s resilience and experience. While Pirotton has never been floored, his recent stoppage victories indicate he can absorb punishment and still deliver finishing blows.
Fisher’s strategy may involve applying relentless pressure early, using his superior reach and power to break down Pirotton’s defense. Conversely, Pirotton may look to exploit any over‑commitment by Fisher, employing counter‑punching and movement to create openings. The fight also carries broader implications for the British heavyweight scene.
Fisher, hailing from Romford, has cultivated a dedicated fan base known as the "Romford Bull Army," and his performances are closely watched by supporters of the domestic circuit. A dominant win could position him as a leading contender for future domestic titles and potentially set up marquee match‑ups against established British heavyweights.
In summary, the Fisher versus Pirotton bout promises to be a compelling showcase of power, skill, and ambition. With both fighters eager to prove themselves on a high‑visibility platform, the encounter on September 26 is poised to deliver drama, excitement, and possibly a pivotal moment in Johnny Fisher’s ascent up the heavyweight ranks. The event’s full card, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging prospects, adds depth to the evening, ensuring that boxing fans have a full slate of action to enjoy.