Johnny Fisher will reach "another level" for his next fight, according to Zuffa Boxing founder Dana White, following the heavyweight's demanding debut under the promotion's banner. According to Sky Sports, White believes Fisher has the potential to make significant strides in his next outing.
Fisher's first bout with Zuffa Boxing took place in September, when he navigated a gruelling 10-round contest against Belgium's Michael Pirotton at the Copper Box Arena. According to ESPN, the judges scored the bout 95–95, 98–92 and 96–95 in Fisher's favour, improving his record to 15 wins and one loss, with 12 knockouts. Fisher weighed 243 pounds for the fight, with trainer Tony Sims working his corner for the first time.
He looked good until he started gassing out in the last couple of rounds. But he fought through it, won the fight and I'm excited to see him fight again. He's fun, the crowd is fun, his family are good, fun people and I love having him a part of Zuffa Boxing, White told Sky Sports.
The Romford heavyweight's conditioning became a concern as the fight progressed, with fatigue visibly affecting his performance in the closing rounds. Fisher, who is hugely popular on social media and known for his love of Chinese takeout, may need to address his physical preparation for future bouts. White has extended an invitation for Fisher to utilise the UFC's Performance Institute in Las Vegas to refine his training methods.
I have seen something where he said he overtrained for the fight, which is a possibility. I don't know, only he knows. But he should absolutely positively come out to Las Vegas and spend some time at the PI [performance institute], White explained.
All the fighters should. It's incredible. It's an unbelievable amenity you get being a part of our company. He should do that.
White remains optimistic about Fisher's trajectory and believes the experience of pushing through adversity will serve him well moving forward.
He didn't look terrible. He gassed out there. But I tell you what I really liked about it, when you see a guy gas like he did and you push yourself through, you don't quit and you make it through that, it just takes you to another level for your next fight, the promoter said.
Mentally now he knows what he did. Did he overtrain, did he not train enough? He knows and now he knows what he needs to fix coming into his next fight so it'll be exciting to see what tweaks he makes in his training for his next fight.
This represents a significant moment in Fisher's career, particularly given his history at the Copper Box Arena. According to Boxing Insider, Fisher's only professional defeat before the Pirotton fight came against Dave Allen, who stopped him at the same venue one year earlier.
Potential next opponents
Fisher will have several compelling options for his next assignment. Former world heavyweight champion Charles Martin has expressed interest in facing the rising prospect, with his manager Mike Borao confirming the fighter's willingness to take on the challenge.
He's had an amazing career and became IBF heavyweight champion. He wants one more big opportunity., Borao told Sky Sports.
Martin, who suffered defeat to Anthony Joshua at the O2 in 2016, is targeting a return to action in Britain during the coming year.
Possible opponents Johnny Fisher, Dillian Whyte or perhaps another UK fighter. We will have to see what happens but Charles is going to make one more big push.
Dillian Whyte was also present ringside during Fisher's September bout at the Copper Box, suggesting the heavyweight division's established names are taking notice of the emerging talent. The combination of Martin's experience and Whyte's presence indicates that Fisher's stock continues to rise within the sport, setting the stage for increasingly significant matchups as he develops under Zuffa Boxing's banner.
