Johnny Fisher’s New Coaching Journey
Johnny Fisher, the rising British heavyweight boxer, has officially chosen Tony Sims as his new coach following his recent split from Mark Tibbs. This decision comes after a challenging period for Fisher, who suffered his first professional defeat at the hands of Dave Allen in May—a bout that saw him knocked down twice before his corner halted the fight. Until that point, Fisher had been trained by Tibbs since the start of his career, amassing an impressive record of 13 wins, including 11 by knockout, prior to the loss.
Reflecting on Change
Reflecting on his departure from Tibbs, Fisher took to Instagram to express his mixed emotions, stating,
“It is with a heavy heart that after almost five years… me and Mark have decided to part ways. Boxing is the toughest sport in the world, and to continue I feel I need a fresh start to get the best out of myself.”
He acknowledged the memories and milestones achieved together with Tibbs, emphasizing the value of their friendship.
Training with Tony Sims
In a video released on August 3, Fisher spoke highly of Sims and the training opportunities that await him.
“I’ve always had respect for Tony and all the boys that train here,”
he shared from the Matchroom Gym in Essex, mentioning notable boxers like Conor Benn and John Ryder who train alongside him. Fisher believes that being immersed in such an environment will enhance his ability to train hard and realize his potential, stating,
“When we go into camp, I’m gonna be in a hellhole.”
Coaching Insights
Sims, known for his work with several prominent fighters, commented on Fisher’s potential, noting that a motivated athlete can inspire a coach. He playfully described Fisher as being
“far more intelligent than anyone else”
at the gym, to which Fisher modestly disagreed, highlighting his academic background, which includes a degree in history from the University of Exeter.
Looking Ahead
As Fisher prepares to rebuild his career, he is eager to make a statement with his comeback, especially after his defeat to Allen, who has since signed with Fisher’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, following their rematch. Last year, Fisher showcased his knockout power at the same venue where he lost to Allen, ending Alen Babic‘s challenge remarkably in just 36 seconds. With a fresh approach under Sims, supporters are keen to see how Fisher can rebound from recent setbacks and pursue his trajectory in the heavyweight division.