Joey Essex Boxing? Yeah, This Is Actually Happening

By Lewis Barnett 28 August, 2025 5 mins read 229 Views

Listen, when I first heard Joey Essex was stepping into a boxing ring, I literally laughed out loud. The same guy who thought pterodactyl was pronounced "P-terodactyl" on I'm A Celebrity is now throwing hands? But here we are in 2025, and reality TV stars boxing has become as normal as ordering coffee.

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Wait... Has This Guy Ever Even Thrown a Punch?

Nope. Not once professionally.

Joey Essex has zero boxing experience, which honestly makes this whole thing even more entertaining. His cousin Demi Sims was supposed to fight on that KSI vs Dillon Danis card (remember when that got cancelled? What a mess), but Joey? This is his debut. His actual first time stepping through the ropes.

He's facing some Portuguese guy named Numeiro - real name Joao Barbosa - who's already lost his only fight. So we've got a complete beginner versus a guy who's 0-1. Peak Misfits boxing right there.

The Essex Boxing Dynasty Nobody Talks About

Here's the twist though. Joey and Demi aren't just random reality stars playing dress-up. Their dad Tony is literally the head coach for Matchroom Sport. Yeah, that Tony - the one who's been in Anthony Joshua's corner and coached Conor Benn.

So while Joey was busy asking if chicken comes from eggs on TOWIE, he was apparently absorbing boxing knowledge through osmosis at family dinners. Wild.

The guy's been training six days a week and even turned down TV gigs to focus on this fight. When Joey Essex starts declining television appearances, you know he's serious about something.

From Love Island Reject to Boxing Prospect?

Joey told SunSport (and I'm paraphrasing here because his quotes are... very Joey): "This is just the start of something big. I'm here to take over."

Take over what exactly? The world of influencer boxing? Because he's already eyeing fights with Jake Paul, KSI, and Tommy Fury. The audacity is actually impressive.

But honestly? Good for him. The man's 35 years old, his reality TV peak was probably a decade ago, and now he's found something that might actually challenge him. Even if it's just not getting knocked out by a guy who's already been knocked out.

When This Beautiful Disaster Goes Down

Saturday, August 22nd at the AO Arena in Manchester. The whole thing kicks off at 7pm, with Joey's fight expected around 9:30-10pm.

You can watch it on DAZN for £24.99 a month (which you can cancel immediately after if you're smart about it). Or just follow along with live blogs like the rest of us who refuse to pay thirty quid to watch reality stars pretend to be fighters.

The main event is Darren Till vs Luke Rockhold, which is actually a legitimate fight between real fighters. Joey's just the warm-up entertainment.

Will he surprise everyone? Probably not. Will it be entertaining watching him try? Absolutely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I be looking for when selecting a gym to train in boxing?

When selecting a boxing gym, look for a welcoming environment, experienced and approachable instructors, a variety of classes suitable for different skill levels, quality equipment, and positive reviews or recommendations from current members. A trial session can also help you get a feel for the gym's atmosphere and training style.

What is the difference in amateur and professional boxing?

Amateur boxing tends to be more focused on the sport side, with an emphasis placed on skills, techniques, and the number of points rather than on knockouts. Usually, it involves shorter rounds with protective headgear. Professional boxing, however, is a fulltime career, with longer rounds without headgear.

Can boxing help improve mental health?

Boxing has the ability to significantly improve mental well-being by reducing stress and improving mood. It also boosts self-esteem while promoting discipline. The concentration required to train can also be used as a form meditation. It helps clear the brain and improves concentration.

What are some basic boxing moves?

Boxing's fundamental punches include the jab - a quick and straight punch thrown by your lead hand - the cross – a powerful, straight punch delivered by your rear hand – the hook – a semicircular strike aimed on the side or body of your opponent – and the uppercut - an upward strike directed at your opponent’s underside or chin.

How can I protect meself in boxing

In boxing, defense involves a variety of techniques. These include maintaining a solid defensive position with your hands raised, using footwork for distance and using head movements such as slips and rolls to avoid punches. It is important to master your offensive skills as well as learn these defensive techniques.

What is the equipment I need to get started boxing

To begin boxing, you require essential gear for safety and effective training. Boxing gloves are essential, as well as hand wraps for protecting your wrists and fingers, a protective mouthguard and a headgear when sparring. Additionally, boxing shoes and comfortable athletic clothing are recommended for better movement and support.

What are the common mistakes new boxers make?

Overextending the punches is a common mistake. Other mistakes include dropping the hands, not recognizing defense, holding your breath, ignoring footwork and focusing on power instead of technique. A coach who is qualified can help you to identify these mistakes early and correct them before they become habits.

Statistics

Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
An analysis of boxing workouts demonstrates that participants can maintain a heart rate at 75-85% of their maximum, which is the optimal range for cardiovascular training.
Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.

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How To

How to Choose a Boxing Gym for Beginners

You need to select the best boxing gym for you in order to get the best instruction and experience a positive training atmosphere. Search for a fitness center with coaches who are well-versed in teaching beginners. Take into consideration the number of classes, the quality of the equipment and the cleanliness of the gym. Many gyms offer a free trial class, which can be an excellent opportunity to assess if the atmosphere is right for you.