Johnny Fisher believes the heavyweight division can transform a boxer's fortunes in the space of just a few fights, and the popular British puncher is determined to seize his opportunity when he returns to action at London's Copper Box Arena.

Fisher will headline Saturday's card against Belgium's Michael Pirotton, with the bout live on Sky Sports, as he continues his pursuit of bigger challenges and a place among the heavyweight division's leading names.

The 26-year-old has yet to claim a major world title, with the Southern Area title currently the highest accolade of his professional career. However, Fisher's growing profile, aggressive style and sizeable following have already placed him on the radar for potentially significant contests.

One such opportunity involved former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

Fisher revealed that a possible meeting with the American knockout artist had been discussed, although no agreement was ever reached.

"Of course I am open for business to fight absolutely anyone. I'm open for business. But that fight wasn't sealed, it wasn't done, it was just an idea that Eddie [Hearn, his former promoter] was floating towards me," he said. "I was like, 'no problem, get it done'."

Fisher stressed that the proposed Wilder fight never progressed beyond discussions.

"But he added: "There was no agreement, there was nothing."

Nevertheless, the prospect of facing a former world champion remains attractive to Fisher, who regards Wilder as one of the defining heavyweights of the modern era.

"If I get the opportunity like that to fight a modern great - he is a modern great, the knockout history that he's got - an opportunity that didn't come off but one that I was open to."

For Fisher, the heavyweight landscape offers both opportunity and danger. A defeat can send a fighter down the pecking order, but an impressive performance can quickly restore momentum and put a popular contender back in the spotlight.

"That's where we want to get, to the big time," Fisher told Sky Sports. "You're two fights away from being in a big fight. When you've got a following like me, a profile like me, an exciting nature of fighting like I have.

"Yes, you've got jeopardy and you can lose, you can go down the rungs. But you're still only one or two fights away from being the big time."

That philosophy is likely to be tested against Pirotton, who Fisher recognises as a genuine threat despite being the less familiar name to British fans.

"Of course, he's a danger," Fisher said. "He's a big unit, he's as tall as me, maybe a touch taller. He's got a few knockouts on his record and anyone at this level who's 17 stone plus and lands on your chin, there's always danger in the heavyweight division."

Fisher's willingness to engage in entertaining, aggressive fights is a central part of his appeal, but he acknowledges that the same approach can leave him vulnerable.

"There's jeopardy and moreso when I fight as well. Because I do go out there looking for the attack," Fisher continued. "I go for it. You can get caught doing that. So I've got to be careful as well."

Despite that warning, Fisher has no intention of abandoning the style that has helped establish his reputation.

"I've got to. That is the best form of not only attack for me but also defence. Loading bombs onto someone else. That's the best way for me to box," Fisher said.

The heavyweight has also begun working with new trainer Tony Sims, who Fisher believes can add greater tactical awareness without taking away the aggressive qualities that have become synonymous with his performances.

"But with a little bit of knowhow and knowledge from Tony [Sims, his new trainer] coming into it now, I think that's just going to make me a little bit more effective in doing that.

"You can't change what you are, you can't try and be something you're not. I've tried that in the past, it doesn't work. You've got to be who you are in the boxing ring as well. I think that's what'll do."

With Pirotton standing between him and another victory, Fisher knows the stakes are rising. The Copper Box appearance represents another opportunity to demonstrate that his popularity can be matched by progress inside the ring.

For a heavyweight with ambitions of reaching the sport's biggest stage, the message is clear: one or two impressive performances can change everything, but the danger of taking a step backwards is never far away.