Michael Pirotton arrives in London next week as a heavy underdog, but the Belgian heavyweight is convinced that Johnny Fisher's psychological state will be his undoing when they meet on September 26 at the Copper Box Arena.
The bout will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of Zuffa Boxing 11's stacked undercard, marking Fisher's debut with the promotion and his third headline appearance at the venue. The main card begins at 7 pm BST, with preliminary action starting at 5 pm BST.
Pirotton carries a record of 12-2 with 6 knockouts, while Fisher enters the ring with an impressive 14-1 record and 12 KOs. The 10-round heavyweight contest pits a well-backed prospect against a journeyman who has grafted his way through the sport without the backing of major promotional machinery.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Pirotton acknowledged the disparity in their profiles and resources.
I'm the exact opposite. He has the best promotion, the best trainers since the beginning and all that and I've been doing it my own way since the beginning. I had to go through the dirty part of the business.
Yet the Belgian refuses to accept that his two previous defeats make him an easy target. Fisher's recent record contains troubling signs that suggest vulnerability at the highest level. The Romford heavyweight has not recorded a victory on British soil for more than two years, and his performances have raised questions about his readiness for elite competition.
Fisher's bout with Dave Allen proved particularly revealing. He initially struggled against Allen before being stopped in their rematch. More recently, in December, Fisher faced Ivan Balaz and was caught with a clean shot that appeared to shake his composure, though he ultimately prevailed.
By contrast, Pirotton has never been knocked down or stopped in his career—a distinction he views as evidence of his durability and mental toughness.
I took two losses. I know the losses were meaningful to become the man I am today. I know these losses came from outside the ring, not really inside. Maybe if I didn't have those setbacks I wouldn't be able to believe in myself so deeply like I am now.
Pirotton's conviction about his opponent's fragility forms the cornerstone of his tactical approach.
I think that's how I'm going to prevail over my opponent on the 26th. Because I know his mind is broke and he's facing too much pressure for himself. He can act tough and cocky and all that but he's never been through what I've been through.
I've been broken, broken, broken again and still I rose. I'm still here. I know people don't know me. It would be naive for a guy like me to hope people won't make fun of me.
The Belgian has endured considerable ridicule online, including jokes about his surname's similarity to Piritton, the hayfever medication. Rather than retreat from the spotlight, he has embraced the underdog narrative.
Pirotton's path to this opportunity has been unconventional. Financial necessity forced him to accept fights when he was not fully prepared, and he has balanced his boxing ambitions with manual labour.
I had to accept fights when I was not ready or barely training because I had to work. Guess what, some of us are plumbers, some of us are doormen. Guess what, I've been working as a doorman at night and training in the day. People make fun of you, but it's my price to be able to keep living the dream.
Bookmakers have installed Pirotton at approximately 7-1 odds to secure victory, reflecting the market's assessment of Fisher's superiority. Yet the challenger believes his boxing intelligence has been obscured by his lack of high-profile exposure.
The way to beat Johnny is to outsmart the guy. I think people won't rate my boxing IQ because honestly I've never shown it properly, except in a few fights and sparring and all that.
I've never been on such a big stage. But I know my quality. I'm ready to be embracing the moment and just be me and risk it all.
In a final appeal to those who have followed his journey, Pirotton issued a rallying cry.
For all the plumbers just bet on me, I see I have great odds… This is for you!
The Copper Box card
The September 26 event will feature a substantial undercard. Craig Richards faces Radivoje Kalajdzic in the chief support bout, with additional unbeaten prospects and former title challengers across multiple weight classes completing the bill. The broadcast will be available on Sky Sports in the UK, with coverage also extending to Paramount+ in the US and Canada.
What happens next
Fisher and Pirotton will settle their dispute on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Copper Box Arena in London. The preliminary card begins at 5 pm BST, with the main card commencing at 7 pm BST on Sky Sports.
