Fisher v Pirotton: Barry Jones on the Romford Bull's Zuffa debut

Johnny Fisher begins life under the Zuffa Boxing banner this Saturday night when he takes on Belgium's Michael Pirotton over ten rounds at the Copper Box Arena in London, live on Sky Sports.

This is Fisher's first outing since leaving Matchroom and signing with Zuffa, and it headlines Zuffa Boxing 11 in front of what is expected to be a packed out crowd. The Copper Box has become a second home for the Romford Bull, whose father's famous catchphrase has given the venue its Copper Bosh nickname, and the atmosphere should be electric once again.

Fisher, 27, brings a 14 and 1 record with 12 wins inside the distance, a knockout ratio of over 85 per cent. A former rugby player who only turned to boxing later than most, he has built a huge following with his all action style and honest, likeable personality outside the ring. His sole defeat came against Dave Allen, and he has since rebuilt with a stoppage win over Ivan Balaz. He is not a finished article and has never claimed to be a world beater, but he is always in shape, always learning, and he carries genuine heavyweight power in both hands.

Pirotton, 12 and 2 with six stoppages, arrives as the underdog at 10/1 but should not be written off entirely. The Belgian moves well, is light on his feet and punches straight down the line, all the things you want from a heavyweight. Both of his defeats have come against previously unbeaten opponents, and he has never been stopped, which suggests a degree of durability. The concern is the level he has operated at. His wins have come well below the class Fisher has been competing in, and this is a significant step up on a big stage away from home.

Stylistically the fight looks made for Fisher. Pirotton's straight punching and movement may keep him competitive early, but Fisher's pressure, body work and heavier hands should tell as the rounds go on. Fisher has spoken this week about smelling when an opponent is in trouble, and if Pirotton feels the power and starts to hold or retreat, the Romford Bull is not the type to let him off the hook.

For Fisher this is about more than one win. A statement performance on his Zuffa debut, on Sky Sports, in front of his own crowd, puts him firmly in the mix for domestic honours in 2027. A slip up against a 10/1 underdog would derail all of that, so expect a focused, aggressive Fisher from the first bell.

Barry Jones' verdict: I fancy Fisher anywhere from rounds four to six for a knockout, either by the referee stepping in or a real clean right hand over the top to finish the fight. It will be a packed out arena and a really good atmosphere, but Fisher goes through him.