Johnny Fisher beats Michael Pirotton by majority decision on Zuffa debut

Johnny Fisher began his time with Zuffa Boxing by defeating Michael Pirotton on a majority decision at London's Copper Box Arena on Saturday. According to BBC Sport's ringside report, the British heavyweight prevailed after 10 rounds, with two judges favouring him and the third scoring the contest level. The result gave Fisher his 15th victory in 16 professional fights.

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The scorecards were 95-95, 98-92 and 96-95. Fisher, 27, was making his first appearance since leaving Matchroom Boxing for Dana White's promotion. Pirotton, the 30-year-old Belgian, suffered his third defeat in 15 bouts, but reached the final bell despite a cut near his eye that required medical attention during the fight.

Fisher attacked with hooks in the opening round, and Pirotton's eye was cut by the second. A doctor examined the Belgian in round four after he told the referee he could still see and wanted to continue. Once cleared to box on, Pirotton resumed attacking, while Fisher answered with punches to both head and body.

Pirotton's strongest spell came in the fifth round, BBC Sport reported, as Fisher began showing signs of fatigue. The doctor inspected the cut again before the seventh and once more permitted the contest to continue. That left the Belgian able to complete the remaining rounds, despite the early damage and Fisher's initial pressure.

A short right hand from Fisher shook Pirotton in the 10th and briefly created an opportunity to finish the fight inside the distance. Fisher was unable to follow it with a decisive sequence, however, and the result went to the judges. It was only the third time in Fisher's professional career that he had gone the distance.

The victory added another result to Fisher's history at the Copper Box. He stopped Alen Babic there in 36 seconds in July 2024, before Dave Allen defeated him in five rounds at the same venue 10 months later. Saturday's return ended with Fisher's hand raised, giving him a winning start with his new promoter after a full 10-round examination from Pirotton.