Johnny Fisher returned to winning ways on Saturday night in Monte Carlo, stopping the previously unbeaten Ivan Balaz in the fourth round of their heavyweight contest. The fight, part of a Matchroom card at the Salles des Etoiles, was Fisher's first since his shock defeat to Dave Allen in May.
Fisher, 26, was under immense pressure after the loss to Allen, which ended his unbeaten record. The Romford boxer switched trainers from Mark Tibbs to Tony Sims in the aftermath. The change almost backfired in the opening round when Balaz dropped Fisher with a looping right cross and left hook, though it was not counted. Fisher survived the round and gradually regained his composure.
In the second and third rounds, Fisher boxed more cautiously, moving well and avoiding risks. By the fourth, Balaz was tiring, and Fisher dropped him three times before the referee stopped the contest. Fisher admitted he was carrying 'baggage' from the Allen defeat but felt he exorcised those demons in the first round.
Fisher, who now has 14 wins from 15 fights, remains a popular figure in British boxing, with his 'Bosh Army' fanbase travelling in numbers to Monte Carlo. He acknowledged the need to refine his skills to challenge for the British title, saying, 'I know what I have to do. I have to apply what I do in the gym and do it in the ring.'
The card also featured a dramatic welterweight clash between Conah Walker and Pat McCormack, with Walker stopping the Olympic silver medallist in the final round.
