My Mate Joey Essex is Actually Boxing Someone Called Numeiro (And I Had to Google Who That Was)

By Lewis Barnett 28 August, 2025 5 mins read 186 Views

Honestly? When my editor told me Joey Essex was stepping into a boxing ring this weekend, I nearly choked on my coffee.

The TOWIE legend is making his debut at Misfits 22 in Manchester against some Portuguese influencer called Numeiro, and apparently he's got his sights set on Jake Paul and KSI next. Because why wouldn't he? It's 2025 and reality TV stars fighting YouTubers is basically a legitimate career path now.

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Wait, He's Actually Serious About This?

Joey told Sky Sports he's eyeing up "the golden boy" Jake Paul, plus Tommy Fury and KSI for future fights. His exact words: "Joey Essex vs Jake Paul, Joey Essex vs KSI, Joey Essex vs Tommy Fury, it makes sense." And you know what? In this weird timeline we're living in, it actually does make sense.

The 35-year-old isn't just winging it though. His uncle Tony Sims has trained Anthony Joshua, Joe Cordina, and Conor Benn - proper fighters. So there's actual boxing DNA in the family, which is more than most celebrity boxers can claim.

When asked why he's doing this, Joey went full philosophical: "Destiny. That's what made me get in the ring. It was always meant to be." Fair enough mate.

So Who the Hell is Numeiro Then?

Right, this is where I had to do some digging because I'd never heard of the guy.

Numeiro (real name Joao Barbosa) is a Portuguese digital influencer who's basically made a career out of posting videos next to expensive cars and private jets. He's got 365k followers on TikTok and around 500k total across all platforms, which in influencer terms makes him... moderately successful?

The guy's been posting content for about a decade, mostly flexing with wrapped Lamborghinis and luxury holidays. Standard influencer stuff really.

But here's the interesting bit - he's been watching Joey's training videos and thinks they look "really bad." His actual quote: "I saw a couple of videos of him boxing and sparring - I do not know if he was trying to look bad on purpose to like not scare me away."

Brutal.

He continued: "If that was the real him, I am confident I will beat him up." Well, we'll find out Saturday night won't we?

The Family Business (Sort Of)

Here's what makes this slightly less ridiculous than your average celebrity boxing match - Joey's uncle Tony Sims is head coach at Matchroom Sport. This isn't some random publicity stunt where they've handed him gloves and shoved him in the ring after two weeks of training.

Joey seems genuinely into it too: "I wake up and I can't wait to go to the gym. I enjoy it, I've always enjoyed it... What I'm doing is different. I'm genuinely learning a skill like a proper athlete."

Whether that's enough to handle someone who's been talking about beating him up remains to be seen.

How to Watch This Madness

If you're as curious as I am to see how this plays out:

Misfits 22 is happening Saturday, August 30 at the AO Arena in Manchester. Joey vs Numeiro should be somewhere between 9pm and 10pm BST (assuming the earlier fights don't run long, which they always do).

You'll need DAZN to watch it live, which costs £24.99 per month but you can cancel anytime. Or just follow along with SunSport's live blog if you don't fancy paying for it.

Honestly, I might actually tune in for this one. It's either going to be surprisingly decent or an absolute car crash, and either way it'll be entertaining.

Poor Numeiro probably has no idea what he's gotten himself into.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of diet would you recommend for a new boxer?

A beginner boxer should aim for a well-balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair and growth, healthy fats for endurance, and ample fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals. Water is essential, so make sure you drink plenty before, after, and during your workout.

What should a beginner boxer focus on?

As a beginner, your focus should be on learning proper form and technique. Mastering basic punches is one way to get started. Another is to establish a good defense, learn footwork, or improve your conditioning. Prioritize technique over power and get guidance from a coach who knows what they are doing.

What is the difference between amateur and professional boxing?

Amateur boxing is typically focused more on the sport aspect, with an emphasis on skill, technique, and points scored rather than knockouts. It usually involves shorter rounds, and protective headgear is required. Professional boxing on the other is a career that requires full-time commitment. There are longer rounds with no headgear and an emphasis on power.

How long does it usually take for a boxer to master the art?

Individuals vary greatly in the time required to become proficient at boxing. Factors such as natural abilities, consistency in training and quality of instruction are all important. Regular training can lead to significant improvements in basic skills.

Statistics

Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
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.
Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.

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How To

How to Improve speed and strength in Boxing

In order to develop speed and power, you need a combination between technique, strength-training, and explosive exercises. Punching drills should be practiced with an emphasis on quick snapping and retraction. Plyometric training, like burpees and jumping squats, can help you develop explosive power. Strength training is essential; squats are a great way to start.