Johnny Fisher is acutely aware that fortunes in the heavyweight division can swing dramatically from one night to the next. A single loss can set a career back, yet a couple of impressive performances can catapult a fighter—especially one with Fisher’s growing fan base—straight into the spotlight. "That’s the goal, to reach the big stage," Fisher told Sky Sports. "You’re just two fights away from landing a marquee matchup.
With the kind of following I’ve built and the exciting style I bring to the ring, the opportunity is right there." He acknowledged the inherent risk: "Sure, there’s jeopardy. You can slip down the rankings, but you’re still only one or two fights from the big time." So far, Fisher’s most notable achievement has been capturing the Southern Area heavyweight title. Yet his name has already been floated for a potential showdown with former world champion Deontay Wilder, a bout that would instantly elevate his profile.
"I’m open to fighting anyone, absolutely. The idea of a Wilder fight was something Eddie [Hearn, my former promoter] mentioned to me," Fisher explained. "It wasn’t a signed contract, just a concept.
I said, ‘Let’s make it happen.’" He was quick to point out that nothing was ever finalized: "There was no agreement, nothing was set in stone. If the chance to face a modern great like Wilder—who has a legendary knockout record—had materialised, I would have jumped at it.
Unfortunately that particular deal never came through, but the door was always open on my end." Fisher’s next test arrives on Saturday, when he headlines a Sky Sports‑broadcasted event at the Copper Box Arena against Belgium’s Michael Pirotton. "Pirotton is a genuine threat," Fisher admitted. "He’s a big unit, roughly my height or a bit taller, and he’s got a handful of knockouts on his record. In the heavyweight division, anyone weighing 17 stone or more who lands clean on your chin can change the fight in an instant." He also warned that his own aggressive approach adds another layer of danger.
"I’m always looking to press the action. When you attack relentlessly, you leave openings for your opponent to exploit.
So I have to stay disciplined and protect myself while I hunt." Despite the risks, Fisher is determined to turn the Pirotton bout into a statement win. "My best offense is also my best defense," he said. "Landing powerful shots—what I like to call ‘loading the bomb’—is the most effective way for me to control a fight." He believes his recent partnership with new trainer Tony Sims will sharpen that strategy. "Tony brings a fresh perspective and technical knowledge that will make my aggression more efficient.
You can’t reinvent yourself completely; you have to stay true to who you are in the ring. I’ve tried to be someone I’m not before, and it didn’t work.
The key is to blend my natural instincts with smarter tactics." Looking ahead, Fisher sees the Pirotton contest as a stepping stone toward larger opportunities. A dominant performance could reignite discussions about a clash with Wilder or other high‑profile opponents, and it would cement his reputation as a serious contender rather than just a regional champion.
"Every fight is a chance to prove that I belong at the next level," he emphasized. "If I can showcase my power, my heart, and now a bit more polish thanks to Tony, the heavyweight world will take notice." Fans can catch the live action this Saturday on Sky Sports, where Fisher will aim to demonstrate that his blend of raw power and evolving skill set makes him a genuine threat to any heavyweight, now and in the future.