Johnny Fisher remains undefeated after a close fight in Saudi Arabia, but a rematch looks to be on the cards for ‘The Romford Bull’.
Johnny Fisher, now 13-0 with 11 wins by knockout, comes off the back of his toughest test to date. Fisher, who has amassed a gigantic fanbase known as the ‘Bull Army’, faced Dave Allen in his latest bout, and won on a split-decision.
The fight was close and saw Fisher on the canvas for the first time in his career in the fifth round. Though Allen had lost six times prior to the fight, he is an experienced veteran of the sport, and his time in the ring with the likes of Dillian Whyte, Luis Ortiz, Tony Yoka, Frazer Clarke, and more proved to trouble Fisher, with many believing Allen should have got the nod instead.
Allen himself has stated that he believes he won the fight, though due to his friendship with Fisher, would refrain from calling him out again. Fisher’s coach Mark Tibbs has said Allen is owed a rematch.
Despite this, Eddie Hearn has said that a rematch is on the cards, and, in an interview with Boxing Now, has said “Johnny Fisher’s on board for that fight, I’ve got a couple of big plans for that fight actually that might surprise [people].”
Johnny Fisher may rematch Dave Allen at Leyton Orient home ground
It seems that one of Hearn’s ‘big plans’ for the fight may well be taking it to Brisbane Road, the home ground of Leyton Orient FC.
Fisher said of the club to Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour, “My dad actually played for [Leyton Orient] until the age of 18 believe it or not. Leyton Orient’s got a big resonation for us, we’d love to fight there one day.”
Hearn was seen at Brisbane Road over the weekend, and given that Eddie’s father, Barry Hearn, was chairman of the team from 1994 to 2014, it seems a fight there is very possible for the Essex ticket-seller.
Previous talk had been of the O2 or Copperbox, affectionately known as the ‘Copperbosh’ by Fisher fans, as the potential venue, though it seems Brisbane Road may now be the frontrunner.
What other fighters represent football clubs?
There are many fighters associated with football teams, here are just a few of those currently active:
Leigh Wood – Nottingham Forest
‘Lethal’ Leigh Wood has been connected to Nottingham Forest from the start of his career and has spoken many times of plans to fight in the City Ground.
Unfortunately, this has not yet happened, and the 28-3 fighter is set to take on Anthony Cacace next at the Motorpoint Arena in May. Wood’s now-retired former rival, Josh Warrington, was also a big football fan, and was heavily associated with Leeds United.
Callum Simpson – Barnsley
One fighter who has been able to fight at their team’s home ground is Callum Simpson, who defeated Zak Chelli at Oakwell Football Ground to claim the British Super-Middleweight title.
Chris Billam-Smith – Bournemouth
Perhaps one of the more decorated fighters associated with a football team is former cruiserweight world champion, Chris Billam-Smith.
Billam-Smith has also had the opportunity to fight at his team’s stadium – defeating Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality Stadium to claim the WBO crown.
Fabio Wardley – Ipswich Town
Following his brutal stoppage win which left Frazer Clarke needing oxygen, Fabio Wardley has called for a fight at Portman Road Stadium, and is open to fighting any of the top heavyweights.
Wardley, whose background consists of only four white-collar bouts, has skyrocketed after two brilliant domestic clashes with Clarke, which ended with Wardley inflicting on Clarke a serious injury.
Richard Riakporhe – Crystal Palace
Set to face Lawrence Okolie in April in his heavyweight debut, Riakporhe is no stranger to a challenge, and, last year he faced just that when he challenged Chris Billam-Smith for his titles at Selhurst Park.
Unlike others on this list who have proven successful in front of their home crowd, Riakporhe was unable to defeat the champion, and walked away with his first career loss.