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I couldn’t have dreamed of a better start

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Fisher overpowered Matt Gordon to make a winning start to his professional career Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Johnny Fisher celebrates with promoter Eddie Hearn after securing his first professional win on Saturday. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Johnny Fisher celebrates with promoter Eddie Hearn after securing his first professional win on Saturday. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Heavyweight prospect Johnny Fisher says he was thrilled with his debut victory and feels he has coped with the weight of expectations.

Fisher (1-0, 1 KO) got off to a winning start in his highly anticipated debut, dropping Matt Gordon twice en route to a first-round stoppage at the SSE Arena on Saturday.

The ‘Romford Bull’, who trained in Fuerteventura alongside WBO super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders in preparation, says he couldn’t be happier with his start to professional life.

“I feel relieved, I feel cheerful, I feel relaxed,” Fisher said. proboxing-fans.com.

“I feel like with all that hype and expectation around me, I showed a little bit of what I can do.

“There is a lot more work to do with Mark [Tibbs] and Steven [Andrews] and my team, and that’s just a good start.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better start than a first-round knockout against Matt Gordon, who we have to thank for his work, he’s dealt with other opponents, other debutants have come through, he’s lasted two years, three rounds, and he’s always been stopped on his feet.

Fisher defeated Matt Gordon to begin his winningest professional career. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Fisher defeated Matt Gordon to begin his winningest professional career. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

“Since I knocked him down a few times, I’m quite cheerful with that, it’s a good performance.

“I wouldn’t be unhappy if the fight went four rounds, if I boxed well, I would box well, because I know I’m powerful, I know I have strength, and every heavyweight has a little bit of power in it. But I know I have massive hands.

“So all I did was the first 20-30 seconds, I thought I’d establish my power, let him know you have that power, let him feel it, and if you notice it in the second minute, just serene down, and I didn’t take a breath, I just calmed down a little bit and assessed the situation, and then I started taking counter right hands because it was coming down.

Fisher has had well-publicised sparring sessions with the likes of British, Commonwealth and European heavyweight champion Joe Joyce, English champion Fabio Wardley and former world title challenger Hughie Fury.

The 21-year-old, who has just made his debut, believes that high-level friendlies have improved his game and played a key role in helping him stay serene under the lights.

“I didn’t think I’d be as hooked as I was,” Fisher added.

“I think it helped me change my mentality from being a raging bull, someone who just charges in, head first, smash, smash, smash.

Fisher said sparring with the likes of Joe Joyce paid off. Photo: S-JAM Boxing
Fisher said sparring with the likes of Joe Joyce paid off. Photo: S-JAM Boxing

“I think we saw that in that fight because I was a little bit, not reckless, but I was very aggressive for the first 20, 30, 40 seconds, and then it gave me presence of mind.

“When you spar loads of rounds with people like Fabio Wardley, Joe Joyce, Hughie Fury, Dave Allen, you learn from them that you have to pace yourself, it’s 12 rounds of boxing that we’re going to work towards, so you have to pace yourself, you can’t fight at a relentless pace, you have to be switched on.

“It’s definitely benefited me and I hope I can now start translating their sparring performances into boxing matches.”

The Essex fighter is hoping to return to the ring in behind schedule April or May and while his aim is to be as dynamic as possible with just 10 amateur fights under his belt, he admits he is in no rush and expects to be given more tough tests.

“I know I’m not a world-class hitter yet,” Fisher continued.

“I have the basics, good skills and good power, but I still have to learn to improve them. I’m not calling people names or saying I’m going to be the next massive thing.

“I’m going to follow the advice Conor Benn gave me when he did an interview with Sky later.

“He said people are going to be rooting for you to fight this guy, fight that guy, fight this guy, but listen, I have plenty of time, nobody’s going to rush me into these massive fights.

“I don’t have to, I really don’t have to, because I’ll burn out. I have to keep my balance and I’ve had enough tough fights, fighting at the sub-national level and getting those tough guys out there, so I’ve got a long, long way to go before I even think about competing with them guys.

Watch the full interview with Johnny Fisher below:

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Interviews

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Andrei Mikhailovich

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Janibek dropped Mikhailovich twice Photo Credit: No Limit Boxing

Janibek Alimkhanuly defended his IBF middleweight title by defeating Andrei Mikhailovich in the ninth round on Friday in Sydney. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Janibek Alimkhanuly defended his IBF middleweight title by defeating Andrei Mikhailovich in the ninth round on Friday in Sydney. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Janibek Alimkhanuly successfully defended his IBF middleweight crown in Sydney, systematically defeating the brave Andrei Mikhailovich, stopping him in the ninth round at The Star.

Janibek came close to stopping Mikhailovich in the second round, but had to wait before crushing him in the ninth round.

Originally, the two teams were supposed to meet in July in Las Vegas, but the undefeated Kazakh could not allow it make weight safelyand the fight had to be postponed one day until fight night.

After a delayed dispute over the WBO belt, only the IBF crown was at stake.

Janibek (16-0, 11 KO) quickly found his advantage, landing paws and body shots in the first minute, and Mikhailovich (21-1, 13 KO) tried to finish the champion.

Janibek dumped Mikhailovich twice. Photo: No Limit Boxing
Janibek dumped Mikhailovich twice. Photo: No Limit Boxing

‘Qazaq Style’ waited patiently for his debut which came in the second half when a perfectly timed shot put the challenger on unsteady feet and as the maestro applied surgical pressure he began to play with the Novel Zealander who was wobbly until another powerful left hand threw it backwards and finally onto the canvas.

It was just right and the minute’s rest came at the right time as Mikhailovich fought brilliantly in the third and fourth quarters, constantly coming forward.

Janibek largely toyed with his opponent and his rival had restricted success, but in round seven he stepped on the gas, landing sturdy combinations.

Janibek hopes to secure a shot in his next unification fight: No Limit Boxing
Janibek hopes to secure a shot in his next unification fight: No Limit Boxing

However, the 26-year-old showed courage, had miniature displays of joy after clubbing, but his race came to an end in the ninth, when Janibek uncorked his customary left uppercut and Mikhailovich moved backwards towards the ropes, the referee rightly stopped the ball contest.

The 31-year-old was frustrated in trying to secure a unification fight, but once again called up WBC champion Carlos Adames and WBA champion Erislandy Lara.

“Adames or Lara, I’m ready anytime,” he told Fox Sports after the fight.

“Send me the document and I will sign it anytime.”

Motu flows from O’Connell

Another undefeated Kiwi got into action as Mea Motu (20-0, 8 KO) warmed up for a shot at the IBF and WBO super bantamweight titles before forcing Shannon O’Connell to withdraw from a corner kick at the end three rounds of their catchweight fight.

The current IBO champion will face Ellie Scotney on October 26 in Manchester, who proved ruthless in several hefty attacks with two fists that broke the bloody O’Connell (24-8-1, 12 KO).

With the Australian having a huge cut and massive swelling on her head, her corner wisely threw in the towel.

Undercard remaining

Lightweight prospect Charlie Kazzi (7-0, 3 KO) won the WBC silver title in Australia, defeating Lui Magaiva (4-7, 1 KO) in the penultimate round of their eight-man bout.

Ahmed Reda (3-0, 3 KO) opened the card and scored his third straight early victory, defeating Joe Kara (5-7-1, 5 KO) in the second of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

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Janibek vs Andrei Mikhailovich – preview and predictions for the huge fight

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Janibek and Mikhailovich were supposed to meet in July Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Janibek Alimkhanuly defends his IBF middleweight world title against Andrei Mikhailovich on Saturday in Sydney, live on Sky Sports. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Janibek Alimkhanuly defends his IBF middleweight world title against Andrei Mikhailovich on Saturday in Sydney, live on Sky Sports. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Unified middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly goes to Australia next Friday, to The Star in Sydney, where he will risk winning the IBF title in a fight with undefeated Up-to-date Zealander Andrei Mikhailovich, although his WBO crown is not at stake.

ESPN+ TV Janibek vs Mikhajłowicz live in the USA, however Heavenly sports broadcast the fight in the UK.

This match was originally scheduled to take place in July in Las Vegas, but the champion was reportedly hospitalized after trying to gain weight and the fight had to be canceled after a delay.

Janibek (15-0, KO10) was promoted from WBO interim champion in 2022 and defeated Denzel Bentley in his first defense.

After knocking out Steven Butler in two rounds, the Kazakhstan added the IBF title to his collection by defeating Vincenzo Gualtieri in six rounds last October.

Janibek and Mikhajłowicz were supposed to meet in July. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Janibek and Mikhajłowicz were supposed to meet in July. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

“Qazaq Style” will now face undefeated Aucklander Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KO), his country’s top amateur who has won multiple free titles but has no professional victories.

The 26-year-old, who holds the IBF Pan Pacific title, has not faced anyone in the Kazakhstan class, and last April he fell before scoring to stop Edison Saltarin in the fifth round.

Mikhailovich was last seen stopping Less Sherrington in the round in April.

Prediction: This could be a miniature night for Janibek, and the guy seems to be out of his league. I think the champion can hold on through a stoppage in the first half of the fight.

Motu meets O’Connell

The undercard features another undefeated Kiwi in action, with Mea Motu taking on Shannon O’Connell in a scheduled top ten super bantamweight bout.

Motu (19-0, 7 KO) is scheduled to win the IBF and WBO titles in three weeks against defending champion Ellie Scotney and cannot afford to slip up in this fight.

“The Night” will bring her IBO title to England, which she won last April on points over Tania Walters.

The 34-year-old defended twice, and in her only fight in 2024 in April, she defeated Noppaket Srisawas in two rounds.

Former Commonwealth champion O’Connell (24-7-1, 12 KO) has fought for two world titles, most recently losing an eighth-round fight for the IBF bantamweight crown against Ebana Bridges in December 2022.

O'Connell was stopped by Australian rival Ebanie Bridges in December 2022. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
O’Connell was stopped by Australian rival Ebanie Bridges in December 2022. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

The 41-year-old was last sidelined in May, defeating Siriphon Chanbuala in the second round.

Prediction: Motu’s safety will likely be paramount with such a huge fight on the horizon, and she may score points in this one.

Undercard remaining

Prospective lightweight competitor Charlie Kazzi (6-0, 2 KO) fights for eight rounds for the second time in his career and should have already defeated Lui Magaiva (4-6, 1 KO), and the fighter from Papua Up-to-date Guinea was suspended five times in six defeats.

Wayne Telepe (1-0, 1 KO) can claim his second straight stoppage victory, this time in a scheduled four-round lightweight fight against Bashir Nassir (0-1-1).

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Gervonta Davis’ opponent has been leaked and it is not Shakur Stevenson

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Roach Jr has been granted permission by the WBA to move up and challenge Davis Photo Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

Gervonta Davis is reportedly set to defend her WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr. on December 14. Photo: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions
Gervonta Davis is reportedly set to defend her WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr. on December 14. Photo: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

Gervonta Davis appears ready for a December return against WBA super featherweight world champion Lamont Roach Jr

Roach Jr will move up in weight to challenge Davis for the WBA lightweight world title after Washington’s request to fight his compatriot was approved.

The WBA announced December 14 as the date for the Davis-Roach fight, although the location of the fight is unknown.

AND statement on the WBA website read: “The World Boxing Championships (WBA) Committee has granted special permission to super featherweight world champion Lamont Roach Jr. move up in class and face Gervonta Davis for the lightweight championship on December 14.

“NoXcuse Boxing Promotions submitted a formal request on September 13, which was accepted by the committee for consideration and consultation with Albert Batyrgaziev’s team, which has a mandatory 130 pounds. pretender.

Roach Jr. received permission from the WBA to advance and challenge Davis. Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Roach Jr. received permission from the WBA to advance and challenge Davis. Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

“After appropriate consideration and based on the organization’s internal policies, it has been decided to grant Roach’s request, subject to certain conditions.”

If Roach dethrones Davis, he will have five days to decide which belt he will keep.

If “The Reaper” loses to the undefeated knockout fighter in Baltimore, he will have to drop down to 130 pounds to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Batyrgaziev.

Roach Jr is coming off a win over common opponent Hector Luis Garcia. Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Roach Jr is coming off a win over common opponent Hector Luis Garcia. Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

The 29-year-old has won six straight fights since his lone professional loss to Jamel Herring for the WBO super featherweight world championship in 2019.

Roach once defended his WBA crown, stopping Feargal McCrory in eight rounds in June, and won the belt via split decision. Hector Luis Garciawhom “Tank” stopped in nine rounds.

Davis brutally knocked out Martin in June. Photo: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions
Davis brutally knocked out Martin in June. Photo: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

Davis (29) defended his belt after a stunning knockout in the eighth round Frank Martin in Las Vegas in June and is heavily linked to a unification fight with WBC champion Shakur Stevenson.

The 27-year-old is sidelined with a hand injury and is expected to go straight into a fight with William Zepeda upon his return, ahead of a potential blockbuster against Davis.

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