Johnny Fisher endured a heavy first-round knockdown and won his comeback fight on Saturday by stopping Ivan Balaz in round four in Monte Carlo. Fisher entered Monaco after the first defeat of his professional career, a disastrous outing against former sparring partner Dave Allen in May. That loss followed Fisher’s disputed decision victory over Allen in December, and it placed immense pressure on the “Romford Bull” as he faced late stand-in Balaz.
Balaz shocked Fisher early and dropped him in the opening round after landing two clean left hooks. The referee declined to call the moment a knockdown because he objected to grappling from Balaz between the punches, yet Fisher stood visibly shaken. With just over 30 seconds left, the 26-year-old rose too fast, staggered forward and narrowly survived the round. Early in round two, Fisher engaged in risky exchanges while still unstable, while Slovakia’s Balaz remained calm. Fisher eventually landed his best punch of the fight, but it came moments after a low blow that cost him a point. Balaz stunned Fisher again after the restart, although he began to fade slightly during round three.
Tactical Shift Sparks Late Surge
Before round four, Fisher spoke clearly in his corner to new trainer Tony Sims, who replaced Mark Tibbs this year, and Sims delivered advice that changed the fight. Fisher floored Balaz with a left hook in round four, then dropped him again seconds after the break. A third knockdown forced the referee to halt the action. Fisher shouted into the crowd, “F***ing come on! I’m alive, don’t give up!”
In his post-fight interview, Fisher said he once described himself as “a Stoke City” rather than a glamour team, but claimed he now represents “Romford United” because he keeps pushing forward. He admitted he must improve, insisting time with Sims will correct his eagerness. He noted the dangers of facing big punchers and accepted he left openings. Fisher promised entertainment every time he fights and vowed to continue until he cannot continue. He said going down ignited something inside him, recalling words from his father and memories of his grandfather. He highlighted his heart and promised his tactics will improve as he builds something meaningful.
Pressure, Recovery and Growing Support
Promoter Eddie Hearn stressed the enormous pressure Fisher carried. Hearn said a defeat would have raised serious questions about Fisher’s future. He urged Fisher to slow down before the fight, yet Fisher did the opposite and still prevailed. Hearn credited Fisher’s previous bouts with Allen for giving him resilience and insisted Fisher does not need to make every fight so dramatic. He called the win pivotal and praised Fisher’s determination.
The fight marked Fisher’s third straight bout in which he suffered a knockdown. He accepted the match on short notice, and Balaz — previously undefeated — replaced Uganda’s Herbert Matovu. Fisher now holds a record of 13-1 with 11 knockouts. He continues to attract a large following, boosted in part by the online presence of his father, “Big John.”
