Johnny Fisher emerged victorious after a grueling, hard‑fought encounter with Michael Pirotton inside the Copper Box Arena, securing a hard‑won majority decision in a bout that tested both fighters’ stamina and resolve. From the opening bell, Fisher took the initiative, pressing forward with a flurry of double jabs that forced the Belgian contender onto the back foot. His early aggression paid dividends, allowing him to establish a modest lead on the scorecards. However, as the rounds progressed and his energy began to flag, Fisher’s defenses softened, giving Pirotton opportunities to rally and mount a comeback.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric, amplified by the vocal "Romford Bull Army" that rallied behind their hometown hero. Supporters stamped their feet, shouted his name, and created a boisterous backdrop that added pressure to the contest.
Fisher responded to the crowd’s encouragement by digging deep, driving his body forward and attempting to overwhelm Pirotton with relentless pressure. In doing so, he occasionally over‑committed, leaving openings when he leaned heavily on his lead leg. Pirotton capitalised on one such lapse, landing a crisp right cross that snapped Fisher’s head back.
The Belgian’s left hook also found its mark, further exposing the gaps in Fisher’s guard. Nevertheless, Fisher demonstrated the technical improvements he has made under the tutelage of his new trainer, Tony Sims. He began to incorporate more head movement, bobbing and weaving to stay inside the pocket while peppering Pirotton’s midsection with body shots.
This strategy paid off early, as Fisher’s punches began to accumulate, and a cut appeared above Pirotton’s left eye in the opening round, prompting a brief medical inspection in the fourth round. After the doctor’s check, Fisher sensed a shift in momentum and surged forward with renewed vigor.
He unleashed a powerful left hook to the body followed by a sharp right hand to the head, a combination that seemed to destabilise Pirotton and push him back against the ropes. The fifth round saw Pirotton retaliate, landing a series of right hands that began to sap Fisher’s power.
Fatigue set in for Fisher, whose punches lost some of their snap, and he found himself on the defensive as Pirotton’s jab‑right combination found its rhythm. By the sixth round, Fisher’s supporters were chanting louder, urging their champion to dig deep for a second wind. Responding to the crowd’s roar, Fisher began to land crisp, chopping hooks that rattled Pirotton’s head, briefly regaining control of the bout. In the seventh round, Fisher’s right hand missed its target, but he quickly recovered with an explosive left hook that drove Pirotton into the ropes, momentarily re‑establishing his dominance.
Pirotton, however, remained undeterred. He continued to press forward, threading a precise right hand over Fisher’s jab—a shot that demonstrated his own technical skill despite the swelling around his left eye, which was now nearly closed. The Belgian’s resilience kept the fight competitive, and he managed to chip away at Fisher’s early lead, forcing the Romford fighter to stay on the back foot for the remainder of the contest.
As the final round unfolded, Fisher, visibly exhausted, summoned the last reserves of his energy. He unleashed a flurry of wind‑milling right hands, attempting to finish the fight decisively.
Pirotton, though battered and bloodied, weathered the onslaught, refusing to go down. The bell rang with both combatants having exchanged blows that left the arena reverberating with cheers.
When the judges’ scores were announced, the result reflected the closely contested nature of the bout. One judge scored the fight an even 95‑95 draw, another gave a narrow 96‑95 edge to Pirotton, while the third judge saw Fisher as the clear winner with a 98‑92 margin, awarding him the majority decision victory. The decision underscored Fisher’s ability to endure a punishing fight, adapt his tactics mid‑match, and ultimately edge out a determined opponent in a bout that will be remembered for its relentless action and the passionate support of the Romford crowd.