Boxing Match Preview: Johnny Fisher (13-1-0, 11 KOs) vs. Herbert Matovu (9-1-0, 8 KOs)
The heavyweight division continues to churn out intriguing matchups, and on December 6, 2025, British prospect Johnny “The Romford Bull” Fisher steps back into the ring against durable Ugandan journeyman Herbert Matovu. This 10-round non-title bout headlines a stacked Matchroom Boxing card in the glamorous principality of Monaco, serving as a key step in Fisher’s post-loss rehabilitation under new trainer Tony Sims. While Fisher aims to rebuild momentum after a bruising setback, Matovu enters as the seasoned gatekeeper, tasked with testing the 26-year-old’s resolve. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the event, including all requested details.
Venue Location
The fight takes place at the iconic Salle des Étoiles, a luxurious concert hall within the Monte Carlo Sporting Club complex. Located in Monte Carlo, Monaco (European Time Zone, CET), this opulent venue is renowned for hosting high-profile boxing events, blending the glitz of the French Riviera with world-class ring action. The arena boasts a capacity of around 2,400 for boxing configurations, offering an intimate yet electric atmosphere. Address: Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco. The card is promoted by Matchroom Boxing and streamed live on DAZN, with international viewers able to access it via subscription.
Main Card Start Time: Approximately 7:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM CET / 2:00 PM EST (subject to undercard adjustments)
Ring Walks for Fisher vs. Matovu: Expected around 9:00 PM GMT / 10:00 PM CET / 5:00 PM EST, as the co-main event or main event slot. This timing allows for the full undercard to unfold, including high-profile bouts like Shabaz Masoud vs. Peter McGrail and Beatriz Ferreira vs. Elif Nur Turhan.
Injury Report
Both fighters enter the bout fully cleared with no reported injuries, making this a clean matchup focused on skill and strategy rather than adversity.
Johnny Fisher: Cleared to fight. Fisher suffered a technical knockout loss to Dave Allen in May 2025 but has since fully recovered, undergoing a rigorous camp under Tony Sims without setbacks. No lingering effects from the stoppage have been noted in recent training footage or promoter updates. He weighed in at a lean 245.25 lbs during recent sessions, indicating peak condition.
Herbert Matovu: Cleared to fight. The 30-year-old Ugandan heavyweight has a history of taking short-notice bouts but reports no injuries from his last outing in April 2025 (a win via decision). Matovu, known for his iron chin, has avoided stoppages in recent years and enters camp fresh after a light schedule.
This injury-free status bodes well for a full 10-round war, though heavyweight volatility means power shots could end it early.
Fighter Matchups
This clash pits a rising British star against a battle-tested African journeyman in a classic “prospect vs. spoiler” dynamic. Fisher brings raw power and athleticism, while Matovu offers experience and resilience. Tale of the tape highlights Fisher’s physical edges, but Matovu’s craftiness could extend the fight.
| Category | Johnny Fisher | Herbert Matovu |
| Nickname | The Romford Bull | N/A (The Ugandan Hammer) |
| Age | 26 (Born Feb 27, 1999) | 30 |
| Height | 6’3″ (193 cm) | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Reach | 78″ (est.) | 76″ (est.) |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Weight Class | Heavyweight (265 lbs max) | Heavyweight |
| Pro Debut | Feb 2021 | 2019 |
| Record | 13-1-0 (11 KOs, 85% KO rate) | 9-1-0 (8 KOs, 89% KO rate) |
| Style | Aggressive power puncher | Durable counter-puncher |
| Strengths | Explosive power, footwork | Chin, experience vs. prospects |
| Weaknesses | Patience, defense | Speed, durability vs. elite power |
Key Matchup Notes: Fisher’s youth and size advantage (4 years younger, 1 inch taller) should allow him to dictate range with his jab, but Matovu’s higher KO percentage suggests he packs heat if Fisher gets sloppy. Expect Fisher to press forward early, testing Matovu’s vaunted durability, while Matovu aims to frustrate with clinches and counters in the mid-rounds.
Recent Form
Both men have been active in 2025, but Fisher’s form has been a rollercoaster, while Matovu’s remains steady in the journeyman circuit.
Johnny Fisher (1-1 in 2025): Fisher’s year started strong but ended in heartbreak. He opened with a controversial split decision win over Dave Allen in December 2024 (carried into early 2025 billing), surviving a knockdown to edge a 95-94, 95-94, 96-93 verdict amid boos and criticism from pundits like Johnny Nelson. However, in the May 17, 2025 rematch at London’s Copper Box Arena, Allen exacted revenge with a fifth-round TKO, dropping Fisher twice and exposing defensive lapses. Fisher has since regrouped, vowing a “strong comeback” in camp. Form: W (controversial) → L (TKO). He’s 2-0 in non-Allen 2025 tune-ups (both KOs), showing power but needing composure.
Herbert Matovu (2-0 in 2025): The Ugandan has quietly built momentum, thriving as a short-notice specialist. His year began with a February 2025 decision loss (his only career defeat) to a rising prospect in Kampala, but he rebounded with a unanimous decision win over a local heavyweight in April. Matovu hasn’t been stopped since 2022 and has won four straight entering this bout, often going the distance against bigger names. Form: L (UD) → W (UD). He’s durable (rarely hurt) but untested against top-tier power like Fisher’s.
Overall, Fisher’s recent loss adds intrigue—he’s vulnerable if rushed—but Matovu’s form suggests he can hang tough for rounds.
Fight History
Fisher’s trajectory has been meteoric until his recent stumble, while Matovu’s career embodies the grind of international journeyman work.
Johnny Fisher’s Key Fights (Pro since 2021; 14 total bouts):
May 17, 2025: L-TKO 5 vs. Dave Allen (Copper Box Arena, London) – Brutal stoppage exposed chin and defense.
Dec 2024: W-SD 10 vs. Dave Allen (York Hall, London) – Controversial win; survived KD to take split nod.
Jul 6, 2024: W-TKO 1 (0:36) vs. Alen Babic (Copper Box Arena, London) – Devastating one-punch KO solidified prospect status.
Mar 2024: W-TKO 4 vs. Lucio Cuellar (Utilita Arena, Birmingham) – Dominant display of power.
Earlier: 9 straight KOs in 2021-2023 vs. journeymen, building 12-0 hype before Allen saga.
Career Arc: Undefeated run shattered by Allen; now rebuilding with Matchroom’s backing.
Herbert Matovu’s Key Fights (Pro since 2019; 10 total bouts):
Apr 26, 2025: W-UD 8 vs. Local Heavyweight (New Obligatto, Kampala) – Controlled win, showcasing durability.
Feb 2025: L-UD 6 vs. Rising Prospect (Kampala) – Competitive loss but went distance.
Late 2024: W-TKO 3 vs. Journeyman (Uganda) – Quick finish in regional bout.
2022-2023: 6 straight wins (5 KOs) vs. European/African opponents, including a 2nd-round KO of a German heavyweight.
Career Arc: Steady climber with one blemish; excels as opponent for prospects, rarely folded under pressure.
No prior head-to-head; this is fresh territory.
FIGHT ODDS
Johnny Fisher – 1000
Herbert Matovu + 500
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 5, 2025
