Johnny Fisher sustained a frightening blood clot in his ear during his fight with Dave Allen, but he claims this injury was minor compared to those he suffered playing rugby.
Fisher was knocked down in the fifth round against Allen but recovered to win a controversial split decision in Saudi Arabia.
Before leaving, he visited a local hospital in Riyadh for a brain scan and to have the blood clot in his left ear drained.
Known as the `Romford Bull`, Fisher will face Allen again this Saturday at the Copper Box in London, his adopted home, six months after their dramatic first encounter.
Fisher commented on the medical checks, including the blood drain and brain scan, stating they were necessary precautions, similar to the rigorous head injury assessments in rugby. He acknowledged the dangers of boxing but said it`s part of the profession.
Fisher turned professional in 2021 after a brief amateur career of only ten fights, nine of which ended in first-round knockouts.
However, he abandoned his dream of becoming a rugby star, a sport where he sustained more injuries than in boxing.
Fisher described his rugby experience as more physically punishing, citing “scuffs,” broken bones, and “dark arts” during scrums, calling it a dangerous environment even at Exeter University.
The 26-year-old Fisher was knocked down by the 33-year-old Allen after losing focus in the ring following a clinch.
The former rugby second-row player is determined not to repeat that mistake in the rematch, despite the anticipated lively atmosphere in East London.
Fisher stated he`s prepared for a tough fight, ready to stand in the middle of the ring. He questioned Allen`s ability to knock him out now, especially without the ear injury affecting him. He admitted his previous knockdown was due to his own mistake, getting hit by a left hook after being told to break and momentarily switching off. He believes the fight would have ended differently without that error.
