UNBEATEN heavyweight prospect Johnny Fisher reckons his built-in fighting mentality will be the difference when he steps into the trenches with Alen Babic.
The pair faced off in an outdoor press conference for the July 6 fight at Copper Box Arena (colloquially known to attendees as “Copper Bosh” in reference to Fisher’s catchphrase).
Delivering entertaining performances, albeit against the usual early career suspects, is part of Fisher’s appeal. Taking down his squatting foe from Zagreb wasn’t a problem either.
“[I’ve] There is definitely power, we have seen it before,” asserted Fisher, 11-0 (10 KO).
“But if we go to the trenches, that’s what I believe I’ve got in me. You can work out as much as you want in the gym. You must have that within you. It’s your innate mentality, no matter where you come from. And I have that mentality.”
While promoter Eddie Hearn’s reference to world class at this stage is fanciful, Fisher, 25, has shown various fighting traits that suggest he is more than just a cricketer .
Hearn expects a packed audience of up to 7,000 to witness the latest development in Johnny’s career. If he continues to win, bigger nights against bigger opponents are sure to come. In short, getting rid of Babic and ignoring the haters are the only two things on the minds of potential customers.
“If you’re in the sport of boxing and you care about what people think or what people say, then you’re not in the right sport because you’re going to have people saying, look at Tyson Fury, look at Anthony Joshua, look at the top level, look at Oleksandr Usyk.
“You will get criticism from every angle. It’s important that you have a team around you and that you have faith in yourself. And confidence is something I will never lack,” ‘The Romford Bull’ added.
While Babic (12-1, 11 KOs) may not be the most refined operator on the circuit, if Fisher has any potential flaws at this level—especially on the left fields heart, determination or stamina — the Croatian (below) will do everything in his power to find them.
The pair had been close in the past, often exchanging words, if not punches. As Babic steps up to the plate against Shawndell Terell Winters at Matchroom HQ Garden in the first of the Covid-restricted shows of 2020, his latest opponent has some choice comments to share .
“I remember when I took my first test. It was my third time [sic, fourth] match with Shawndell. Friend [Fisher] was there and you told me, ‘you won’t be able to do this,’ it’s a 50-50 fight,” Babic growled.
“So I was there. I’ve been at least 5 years into this trial and stuff. And I know what it brings. That’s why I said yes to this fight. I feel like it’s a gift from God to me.”
Not many would describe a fight with Johnny Fisher as gifted from a higher power, but Babic may need a little divine intervention to revive his career now.
A six-round attack by Northeast tough man Steve Robinson certainly helped build the confidence of a man accustomed to stepping inside and bulldozing past opponents. That approach failed in Poland as Babic was starved by Lukasz Rozanski in one round.
Rozanski’s follow-up in the first round against the welterweight punch of Lawrence Okolie put everyone’s qualifications into perspective. If ‘The Savage’ is caught clean by Fisher on July 6, he could quickly start to suffer some flashbacks.
Babic emphasized that he performs better when nothing much is expected of him. Carrying the bar brawler tag while onlookers constantly waited for him to get out fits the 33-year-old’s temperament.
When the mood changed and he suddenly gained more respect, the burden of expectation fell heavily on his strong shoulders.
“I want everyone to know I am the underdog in this fight. F**k favorites. I am the underdog. I’m the favorite in a fight. It was the worst war of my life. It almost destroyed me. I have been depressed for a year. It almost ruined everything, Babic said.
“So I am the underdog in this fight. An underdog,” he muttered – seemingly as much of a motivational speech to himself as it was to anyone in attendance.
