Johnny Fisher overcame a first-round knockdown to defeat Ivan Balaz by stoppage in the fourth round in Monte Carlo on Saturday. The British heavyweight, fighting for the first time since his defeat to Dave Allen in May, was floored early but rallied to stop the Slovakian.
Fisher, 26, was caught by two left hooks in the opening round and appeared hurt, though the referee did not rule it a knockdown due to grappling from Balaz. He rose quickly and survived the round. In the second, Fisher was deducted a point for a low blow but landed his best shot shortly after. Balaz wobbled Fisher again before tiring in the third.
Under the guidance of new trainer Tony Sims, Fisher turned the fight in the fourth. He dropped Balaz with a left hook, then floored him again with another left. A third knockdown prompted the referee to stop the contest. Fisher, now 13-1 (11 KOs), shouted: “I’m alive, don’t give up!”
“There’s lots of things I’ve got to do better,” Fisher said post-fight. “When I went down, something ignited in me. I’ve got heart, but the tactics will come.” Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “I don’t think people realise how much pressure was on him. He showed a lot of heart.”
