Johnny Fisher brought an army of fans with him to the Copper Box Arena, and needed less than 40 seconds to deal with Alen Babic in their heavyweight contest.
Babic (12-2, 11 KOs) had built himself up as reputable contender, and unsuccessfully challenged for the WBC bridgerweight title in April last year against Lukasz Rozanski before stopping Steve Robinson in March. Fisher (12-0, 11 KOs) came in as a crude type and had built a solid record, halting Dmytro Bezus inside a round in his most recent outing in February in Las Vegas.
The meeting between the two lasted a very short time, as some sweeping right and left hands had Babic on the canvas and on unsteady legs, and the referee waved the contest off.
Fisher opened the door to a showdown with Dave Allen in his post-fight press conference.
“I love Dave Allen,” the 25-year-old said.
“I’d love to have the opportunity to fight him.
“He’s the first professional I ever sparred, I was only 18/19 at Exeter university.
“I didn’t really know what I was doing.
“For 6 rounds he proper laid into me.
“I grew up watching Dave Allen and being motivated by him.
“It would be an honour to share the ring with him.”
Bellotti battles past Giles
On the undercard, Reece Bellotti defended his British and Commonwealth titles against Levi Giles (15-2, 4 KOs), coming through clearly on the scorecards.
Bellotti (19-5, 14 KOs) retained by two scores of 118-110, and a third at 117-110.
Hedges becomes Southern Area champion
John Hedges claimed the vacant Southern Area title, as he took a technical decision win against Lewis Oakford.
Oakford (5-1) had a cut over his left eye, and the contest was eventually stopped, with Hedges (10-0, 3 KOs) declared the winner by two scores of 59-56, and a third at 58-57.
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Courtney stunned by Zapotoczna
Flyweight prospect, Maisey Rose Courtney (6-1) suffered a first career defeat, as she went down on the cards to Jasmina Zapotoczna (8-1).
The visitor came through by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 after ten rounds.
Remaining Undercard
In six rounders, Giorgio Visioli (4-0, 3 Kos) went the distance for the first time, taking all six rounds at super featherweight against Tampela Maharusi (10-7-4, 5 KOs) and at middleweight, Jimmy Sains (6-0, 6 KOs) remained perfect with a fifth round stoppage win against Damien Lacoudray (3-2-1, 1 KO).
Popular super welterweight, Emmanuel Buttigieg (5-0, 1 KO) won all six rounds in his meeting with Jiri Hauke (4-5, 2 KOs).
The only four rounder came at heavyweight, where Lewie Pochetty (3-0, 2 KOs) won all four rounds against Amine Boucetta (8-14).
