Channel equalization is remaining a challenge for the researcher. Especially for the non-linear channel as well as the extremely dispersive channel, an effective channel equalizer is required. It is common knowledge that non-linear channel equalizers based on the neural networks (NN) outperform adaptive filter-based linear equalizers. To train NN equalizers, gradient-descent-based approaches like the back-propagation algorithm are often utilized, although they have drawbacks such as trapping of local minima, slower convergence, and compassion to log in. In this work, we presented a novel training strategy using a fuzzy firefly algorithm (FFA) for channel equalization. By using proper network topology and parameters, the suggested training system offers stronger exploitation and exploration skills, as well as the ability to solve the local minima issue. The performance of the equalizer can be analyzed by estimating two parameters i.e. MSE and BER. To exhibit the suggested technique’s resilience in performance, the burst error situation was used, and the outcomes showed that the strategy is more effective in managing such situations than previous methods. The outcomes of the proposed method are presented through simulation, Furthermore, it proved that the suggested method validates a wide range of SNR, and also it outperforms the existing NN-based equalizers.