Johnny Fisher returns to ring after first loss, signs with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing

British heavyweight Johnny Fisher is making his comeback this weekend at the Copper Box Arena in east London, returning to the venue where he built his unbeaten record before suffering his first professional defeat last year.

Fisher, 27, lost to Dave Allen in the fifth round in May 2026, ending his 13-fight winning streak and prompting questions about his standing in the division. His subsequent comeback fight against Ivan Balaz in a fourth-round stoppage was also unconvincing. Now he faces Belgium's Michael Pirotton in a 10-round bout that marks his debut for Zuffa Boxing under promoter Dana White, after five years with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom.

Fisher's unconventional rise to prominence came partly through his collaboration with his father, 'Big John'—the pair gained a substantial following through Chinese takeaway reviews and social media content, building what became known as the "Bosh Army." Critics have questioned whether his popularity makes him more of a crossover or influencer boxer, a characterisation Fisher rejects. "I'm a professional boxer first and foremost," he told BBC Sport, noting that fighters like Jake Paul and Tommy Fury have significantly larger social media followings despite being "not even at my level."

Fisher acknowledged that previous preparation involved "winging it," but says his current camp under new trainer Tony Sims includes 160 rounds of sparring, altitude work, and intensive conditioning. He remains realistic about his ambitions, stating he is not at the level of top heavyweights like Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, or Tyson Fury. He mentioned possible domestic bouts against Frazer Clarke and Solomon Dacres, with a British title fight within 12 to 18 months being his stated goal. Current British champion Richard Riakporhe has expressed willingness to face Fisher if he progresses.

Fisher signed with Zuffa Boxing in July after receiving what he described as an offer "too good to ignore" given the unpredictability of the sport and earnings. His first meeting with White came over a Chinese meal with his father.