That Time Joey Essex's Dad Almost Got Destroyed by Nigel Benn (And Joey Actually Did Get Destroyed by His Son)

By Lewis Barnett 26 August, 2025 5 mins read 155 Views

So apparently Joey Essex's dad had some serious balls back in the day.

Donald Essex was literally one fight away from getting his face rearranged by future world champion Nigel Benn. One fight. Can you imagine that conversation at the dinner table? "Hey son, almost got murdered by a boxing legend today, pass the salt."

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The Fight That Never Happened (Thank God)

Joey told me this wild story about his dad's boxing career - and honestly, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. Donald had been boxing since he was six (which is insane when you think about it), racked up 13 amateur fights with the Southeast division for the ABA's, and was climbing the ranks at Hollington Club.

Then came the moment of truth.

"My dad's next fight was Nigel Benn," Joey explained, and I swear you could hear the relief in his voice that it never happened. "But my dad at that time had only had 13 fights, Nigel had had like 120, so I think my dad had a touch that he didn't get with Nigel."

A "touch" is putting it mildly. More like divine intervention. Nigel Benn went on to become a world champion at middleweight and super-middleweight - one of Britain's most celebrated boxers. Donald Essex... well, he lived to tell the tale and raise a reality TV star.

When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong

Here's where the story gets brutal.

Joey's uncle Tony used to train with Nigel back in teh day, and now he coaches Nigel's son Conor at his Romford gym. Family connections, right? Should be nice and cozy. Tony even welcomed Joey into the gym over the years to train with his fighters.

Big mistake.

One day, someone thought it would be "funny" to have Joey spar with Conor Benn. You know, just for laughs. What could go wrong?

"I basically just let Conor absolutely batter and beat the s*** out of me," Joey said, and I genuinely felt bad for the guy. "They thought it was funny, Tony and Conor, but it weren't funny afterwards. I was in a lot of pain, man. My kidneys were damaged."

From Dancing on Ice to Getting Put on Ice

Picture this: Joey Essex, known for prancing around on Dancing on Ice, getting his kidneys rearranged by a professional boxer. The Dancing on Ice star nursing bruised organs because his uncle thought it would be hilarious to watch his nephew get demolished.

Family bonding at its finest.

Meanwhile, Conor suffered his first defeat in April - losing that second generation grudge match to Chris Eubank Jr. (Talk about boxing dynasties coming full circle.) But the pair are set to rematch at Tottenham on November 15, thirty-five years after their dads' famous fights.

Joey's Boxing Redemption Arc?

Now Joey's making his Misfits Boxing debut on Saturday in Manchester against some Portuguese influencer called Numeiro. He's turned down TV gigs and appearance opportunities to focus on boxing, which is either admirable dedication or complete madness.

"I guess it's a change of career, which is so weird to say," Joey admitted. "The plan at the minute is to get bigger and better fights."

He's calling it "the start of something big" and says he wants to "take over." After getting his kidneys bruised by Conor Benn, I'm not sure if this is confidence or delusion, but you've got to respect the commitment.

"Get this fight out the way, relax and I'll be straight back here, straight back in the gym. I ain't gonna have too much time off. I wanna get straight back into it. I'm here to take over."

Good luck with that, Joey. Just maybe avoid sparring with any more world-class boxers' kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when selecting a boxing club?

You should look for a boxing facility that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, has experienced instructors and is approachable. It should also have a range of classes to suit all levels, good equipment and positive feedback from existing members. Trial sessions can help you to understand the training style and gym atmosphere.

What is the importance breathing in boxing?

Boxing requires proper breathing to maintain energy and stamina. You will also remain relaxed throughout a training session or match. To effectively manage your oxygen input and output, exhale strongly with each punch.

What diet should a beginning boxer follow to get the best results?

Beginner boxers should eat a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle growth and repair, healthy fats to increase endurance, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Drinking plenty of water is important before, during and after your workouts.

Statistics

Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
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.
Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.

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How To

How to Breathe Properly While Boxing

The correct breathing technique can reduce fatigue and increase performance. To fill your lungs with air, breathe in your nose and then exhale your mouth to throw punches. This exhalation needs to be short and explosive. This will tighten up your core and protect it when you hit. You can develop rhythmic breathing habits by shadowboxing, or bag work.