My Cousin Joey and I Are About to Get Our Faces Punched In (And Dad's Training Us)

By Lewis Barnett 27 August, 2025 6 mins read 242 Views

God, what have I gotten myself into?

Three months ago I was sipping cocktails in Marbella posting bikini pics for the gram. Now I'm waking up at 6 AM to get my ass kicked by my own father in a sweaty Romford gym. The transformation from reality TV princess to... whatever this is... has been absolutely brutal. And I'm doing it alongside my cousin Joey Essex, which somehow makes it both better and infinitely more terrifying.

Listen to this Article

Dad Doesn't Go Easy Just Because You're His Daughter

People keep asking me what it's like being trained by Tony Sims - you know, the guy who's coached Conor Benn and Anthony Joshua. What they don't realize is that he's also my dad, and trust me, family connections mean absolutely nothing when you're in that ring. If anything, he's harder on me.

Last week I complained about being tired after our second session of the day. His response? "Conor never whined about being tired." Cheers, Dad.

The man has turned our lives upside down in seven weeks. No drinking (goodbye, wine Wednesdays), no late nights out (RIP my social life), and definitely no more "having a pornstar martini in the sun" lifestyle that I'd grown quite fond of, thank you very much. It's nutrition plans and double training sessions and going to bed at 9 PM like some kind of monk.

Joey's Having the Same Mental Breakdown I Am

At least I'm not suffering alone. Joey's been thrown into this madness with me, and watching him try to master proper footwork has been... well, entertaining doesn't quite cover it. The guy thought he could box because he'd hit a few bags on holiday. Poor Joey.

"I feel like I probably learned more in the past six-seven weeks than I have in five years," he told me yesterday, and honestly? Same. Turns out there's a massive difference between throwing punches at a bag in Ibiza and actually learning to fight.

We're both stepping into the ring on Saturday - me against Nadeshi Hopkins, him against some Portuguese influencer called Numeiro. The nerves are real. Like, properly real.

The Family Pressure Is Unreal

Here's what nobody talks about when you're related to your training partner - you're not just worried about your own fight. I'm genuinely more nervous about watching Joey get hit than I am about my own debut. And he's the same with me.

"Joe, we've got to win this! We can't let the family name down!" I keep telling him, but honestly? The pressure is doing my head in.

Having Tony Sims as your trainer is incredible. Having him as your dad when you're about to potentially embarrass yourself on live television? That's a whole different level of stress. The man has worked with elite boxers, proper champions, and now he's stuck trying to turn two reality TV stars into fighters in less than two months.

Manchester, Here We Come (Help)

Saturday can't come fast enough, and also needs to never arrive. Does that make sense? Probably not, but nothing about this whole experience makes sense anymore.

Six months ago my biggest worry was whether my fake tan looked patchy. Now I'm genuinely concerned about getting knocked unconscious in front of thousands of people in Manchester. The character development has been... intense.

But you know what? Despite the terror and teh exhaustion and the complete lifestyle overhaul, I'm weirdly proud of what we've accomplished. Joey and I have both come so far from where we started (which was basically nowhere). We've been "fast tracked massively" as he puts it, by someone who actually knows what he's doing.

Still doesn't mean I'm not absolutely bricking it though.

Wish us luck. We're definitely going to need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should an amateur boxer train?

Beginners should aim for two to three boxing sessions per week, allowing sufficient time for rest and recovery between workouts. As you acclimate to the sport and improve your fitness, you may gradually increase the frequency and intensity of your training.

Is it a good idea to box in order to be fit?

Yes, boxing is an excellent way to improve overall fitness. This full-body workout is intense and improves cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance coordination and agility. This is a stress-relieving exercise that can improve your discipline and boost confidence.

What should I consider when selecting a boxing club?

When choosing a boxing studio, you should consider a welcoming atmosphere, experienced and approachable trainers, a variety classes suitable for various skill levels, quality gear, and positive testimonials or recommendations by current members. A trial session will also allow you to experience the gym’s atmosphere and training method.

What are the basic boxing punches?

The fundamental boxing strikes include the jab which is a quick, direct punch delivered using your lead arm; the cross which is a powerful punch delivered with your back hand; the hook that is a semi-circular blow aimed towards the side of an opponent's face or body; and finally the uppercut. This upward strike targets the underside of the opponent’s chin or their body.

Can I learn to box at home?

It's possible to learn boxing from home using instructional videos or fitness applications, but it's best to train with a professional coach in a gym to make sure you master the correct techniques. Boxing gyms also provide the necessary equipment as well as the chance to practice alongside others.

What is the importance breathing in boxing?

In boxing, breathing correctly is crucial. It helps you maintain your stamina and energy levels, as well as keep you relaxed while training or during a match. You should exhale sharply with each punch and breathe rhythmically, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth to effectively manage your oxygen intake and output.

Statistics

Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.

External Links

How To

How to Improve your footwork when boxing

To become proficient at boxing, you need to have good footwork. Focus on agility techniques, like ladder exercises or shadowboxing. Stay light on your feet, and practice pivoting and changing directions quickly. Consistently improving your coordination, balance, and ability to maintain an efficient stance will be improved by training.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/the-fight-everyones-talking-about-getting-your-hands-on-till-vs-rockhold-tickets