LONDON, England — Heavyweight Johnny Fisher has targeted a December ring return and believes an away day might be the best way to kickstart his comeback.

Fisher, 26, lost for the first time May 17, when Dave Allen violently ended their anticipated rematch with a fifth-round knockout at a packed-out Copper Box Arena.

In the wake of the loss, Fisher split with trainer Jimmy Tibbs and linked up with Tony Sims in his home county of Essex, which he says has already rejuvenated him.

Now Fisher (13-1, 11 KOs), who was knocked down twice before his rematch with Allen was stopped, will have plenty of time to bed in with his new coach. He told The Ring that he is not planning to be out again until December.

“I am looking at fighting again in December in a 10-rounder,” he said. “If it was earlier, October-November time, it would probably be eight, but that date will mean it will be 10. I don’t see a problem with that and the way Tony trains I know for sure that I’ll be super, super fit by then, ready to rock and roll.”

“The Romford Bull,” who has emerged as one of the best supported fighters in Britain, suggested his fans might be in for an overseas trip next.

When asked where the fight will likely take place given his level of support across the UK, Fisher said, “It could be an away day. I think there is a show in Monaco around that date, so maybe my fight will be on there. There are a lot of different options, but I’ll just be happy and grateful to fight on any show that presents itself.

“I know that I’ll have people follow me if it’s abroad. If it’s at home, I could pack out somewhere local in Essex or wherever it lands. I’m grateful to have support all over. But the main thing now is getting to grips with my new craft under Tony and making sure we put on a good, solid performance.”

Fighting away from London could alleviate some pressure in Fisher’s return from his first defeat.

“If I’m honest, it doesn’t have to be in the spotlight and going away could be sensible,” Fisher said. “The spotlight is not important right now. What is important is going away and gelling with the new coach. I’ve had it since my fourth or fifth fight in front of huge crowds.

“It won’t really make much difference in that sense because I know how to do my learning on the job. But in a way it will probably be nice away from a big show and just get the rounds and a good performance under my belt. That is what we need first and foremost.”

Fisher had been flying until he encountered Allen in their first fight in December, when the “White Rhino” dropped him in the fifth round of an encounter during which he perforated his ear drum.

He held on until the final bell and scored a controversial split decision in the eyes of the judges. But his rematch defeat to Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs) six months later has badly damaged his standing in a bustling domestic scene.

Now Fisher believes winning the English title would put him right back in the mix.

“You’ve just got to get back on the horse and get back involved,” he said. “I'm not opposed to going for an English title and then being in the mix for a British title if everything goes to plan.

“It only derails it by one or two fights and then you’re back in the equation. Look at Frazer Clarke, he lost to Fabio Wardley but he beats Ebenezer Tetteh and now he has got a British title shot again.”