Mark Tibbs has spoken of his “pride” in his progress with Johnny Fisher after separating from the popular heavyweight.
The 26-year-old Fisher confirmed their split on Monday, two months after he lost for the first time – in five rounds to David Allen – and has started training with Tony Sims, Anthony Joshua’s first professional trainer and one long favoured by Fisher’s promoters Matchroom.
Under Tibbs’ guidance Fisher evolved with a raw amateur into one of Britain’s most reliable ticket sellers, won the southern area heavyweight title, and recorded his most convincing victory in under a round against Alen Babic of Croatia.
It was five months later, in December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, when the then 12-fight Fisher – earlier than Tibbs had planned – agreed to fight Allen, was knocked down for the first time, and recovered to record a controversial split-decision victory.
May’s rematch was considerably more conclusive, contributing to their separation ahead of a period in which he is expected to rebuild.
“He came to me five years ago – Sam Jones introduced him to me,” Tibbs told BoxingScene. “I’d just finished working with Dillian Whyte.
“He used to pick me up and take me to the gym. He was very raw – he was a rugby player. We won the southern area heavyweight title [against Harry Armstrong in August 2023] – it was great working with him. That was his best performance – it was the way he connected with me in the corner during the fight. He also won the 2023 [boxing writer’s club young] boxer of the year award.
“He’s a good learner, academically, and he’s got the biggest of hearts.
“I’m very proud to have worked with Johnny Fisher. He’s a lovely young man.”
Fisher had posted on social media: “It is with a heavy heart that after almost five years of being on this professional journey together, 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. Me and Mark have made some special memories and reached some milestones in my career that many thought we would never achieve.
“More importantly than all of this though is the friendship we have gained, and to know that I have Mark and Jimmy [Tibbs, Mark’s father] in my life and to be able to call them both friends is an honour. Thank you for everything.”
