John “Big John” Fisher, well-known for his association with British boxing, recently found himself in an unexpected predicament upon arriving in Perth. Scheduled to attend various meet-and-greet events with fans down under, his plans were abruptly halted due to a snag at the border.

Fisher shared with his followers that, despite entering Australia legally, border officials detained him for four hours. The issue arose from the discovery that he intended to work while in the country, which was not permitted under his entry status. Consequently, he was escorted to a hotel where he remains held, awaiting further resolution.

Expressing his frustration on Instagram, Fisher recounted the ordeal, “They had stuff pre-planned to send me home. I said I would cancel my meet and greets and just have a 100 percent pure holiday, but no, they weren’t having it.” He commented on the exhausting experience, highlighting the lengthy flight followed by the detention, “17-hour flight then detained for 4 hours then marched out by security. I’ve had better days. Big love to Australia and the Aussies, I am gutted, to be honest.”

Adding to the inconvenience, Fisher mentioned that he is currently without his wallet or other personal belongings. It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and whether Fisher will be able to continue with his plans or will have to make his way back home.

Fisher, the father of British boxer Johnny Fisher, said he is still without his wallet or other possessions after being denied entry.

He claimed he was “treated like a criminal” by authorities and is unable to leave his room.

The father-of-four is flying back to London today.

Fisher was scheduled to take part in a meet and greet and several other events at Hillarys Beach Club in Perth on Sunday.

He is a family friend of Ryan and Nikki Esqulant, who own Hillarys.

“It’s not something we were trying to profit from and make money from, it’s just getting awareness out on social media of what we do and what we’re about as a business,” Evans said.

“He gets quite a big crowd in Australia.”

Evans said the team at Hillarys were also going to record a podcast with Fisher.

He was stopping over in Perth to help promote the business’ new Sorrento Beach Club.

But Evans said the event has now been cancelled after the media personality was barred from entering the country.

“He was happy to cancel his appearances and he just wanted to come here on holiday because it was his birthday today,” Evans added.

“So he wanted to do everything legally just to come to Australia.”

“He’s a very honest and open person and he sticks by his word.”

Evans expects Fisher will come back to Australia soon.

He was also set to make an appearance at Perth Racing and Wentworth Park in Sydney.

“I’m sorry Australia – I’m sorry Perth, sorry Sydney – I won’t be at any of my appearances this weekend, but please support the ones I was going to be at because they’re going to be good days,” he said in a video posted to X.

“I’ll let you know more when I get home. To be truthful I just want to get home. All the best, let’s have it. Bosh; or no bosh.”

The term “bosh” has become Fisher’s catchphrase.

His son Johnny shared support for his dad’s visa debacle.

“The Aussies have detained Big John and are sending him home – rumour has it they are frightened of his express pace bowling ahead of the Ashes,” he joked.

It also happens to be Fisher’s 52nd birthday today.

“I’ve got to laugh or I would cry, a legal visa which got me detained for four hours,” he added on Instagram.

“Detained in Australia on my birthday. Totally gutted is an understatement.

“Love the Aussie people though. I’ll be back.”

Travellers who visit Australia under a visitor visa are not permitted to work while in the country.

Under the Visitor visa (subclass 600), you can enter the country as a tourist, to visit family or friends, or any purpose other than business or medical treatment.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, if a traveller’s work situation changes after arrival in Australia and they need to work, they will need to apply for a new visitor visa with a specific request for permission to work.

“Decisions are made on a case-by-case situation at the discretion of the processing office or minister,” the department’s website reads.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) said it does not comment on individual passengers.