Ringside Report: Johnny Fisher Blows Away Alen Babic In Thirty-Six Seconds
It might have been somewhat predictable, but Johnny Fisher yet again showed what he can do. And bring. Alen Babic was blown away in just thirty-six seconds in their heavyweight main event on Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena. Just one brief, albeit extremely heavy-handed salvo of punches. Just one knockdown was all Fisher needed to solidify his growing reputation.
Despite the Babic resume hardly ringing the bells of encouragement, the performance was nevertheless impressive from Fisher. A fighter who has now gone from just a ticket seller to genuine prospect. At least, at domestic level. Maybe even beyond that.
The fight with Babic was always more about selling something that didn't quite ring true. But Fisher executed his side of the show in some style. The Croatian has always had his limitations, and Fisher became the second fighter in three fights to brutally expose those shortcomings. The Alen Babic story has now probably run its course. But it was fun while it lasted.
But the winner can now look forward to a possible golden future. The once novelty attraction now has to be taken seriously. A fast improving fighter, Fisher could literally be anything. His promoter is saying he can win the British heavyweight title. Eddie Hearn might be right. But a touch of caution should be applied. At least for now.
Hearn could have a Ricky Hatton type fighter on his hands. Fisher said he sold 3,000 tickets for this fight. In truth, it's probably a whole lot more. With each passing victory, the fanbase will only grow. If Johnny Fisher can develop into a prospect beyond the domestic scene, then Hearn could very well have found his next superstar. Already, Fisher is one of the biggest ticket sellers in the country. It will only get bigger.
But the hype train needs a large degree of caution. As impressive as it was, beating Alen Babic isn't a sign of greatness. The manner of it was expected, even though most thought it would go a little longer. I couldn't see the fight going longer than two rounds, although getting out of the first round was perhaps always a touch on the fanciful. Nevertheless, Fisher can be extremely proud of his night's work. And greatly encouraged also.
But despite the euphoria that will undoubtedly follow, Fisher needs time, patience, and rounds. At 25, and just a handful of amateur fights to his name, Fisher has time. Hearn should resist the obvious temptation to rush and give him the time he needs to develop. On the evidence of the performance against Babic, that patience could be handsomely rewarded in the coming years.
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
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