Television personality Joey Essex is set to return to the boxing ring this Saturday evening in Bermondsey, London. The 36-year-old will face comedian Daniel O'Reilly, widely known as Dapper Laughs, in his second competitive appearance for the Misfits promotion.
Essex, who gained prominence through the reality series The Only Way Is Essex, previously made his ring debut in August 2025. During that contest, he secured a points victory over Portuguese influencer Joao Barbosa, a bout he characterized as a challenging slugfest.
The Chigwell-born star has expressed a desire for a more technical display in his upcoming fight. Regarding the weekend's event, Essex stated, "Let's hope there's actually some boxing involved," as he seeks to improve upon his initial performance.
The transition to boxing represents a long-held ambition for Essex, who began documenting his intent to compete in 2023. He noted that he had drafted a personal contract to manifest his goal of headlining a sports promotion event.
Reflecting on his motivation, Essex explained that his family background in the sport played a significant role in his decision. He stated, "My family are quite huge in boxing, it kind of stems in my blood. So kind of makes sense for me, with my name, to be involved."
His father, Donny, participated in over a dozen bouts under the Amateur Boxing Alliance, though he did not pursue a professional career. This familial history provided the foundation for Essex's interest in training and competing.
Essex is currently training under the guidance of his uncle, Tony Sims, at a gym located in Stapleford Abbotts. Sims is a prominent figure in the sport, having previously coached world-class boxers including Anthony Joshua and Ricky Burns.
The relationship between trainer and student began with initial skepticism from Sims, who reportedly told his nephew he should not pursue boxing because he was "too pretty." Despite this, Sims has continued to oversee Essex's development.
While Essex is actively competing, he has clarified that he does not intend to pursue a professional career in the sport. He described his participation as an opportunity to satisfy a personal curiosity, noting, "I feel like if I didn't ever do this, I would have always thought 'what if?'"
Looking beyond his immediate contest, Essex has identified several high-profile figures within the Misfits promotion as potential future opponents. He expressed interest in facing influencers such as KSI and Logan Paul, as well as professional boxer Tommy Fury.
The upcoming event in Bermondsey marks a significant step for Essex as he attempts to build his reputation within the influencer boxing circuit. He emphasized the importance of self-belief, stating, "People can believe in you, but you need to believe in yourself."
The Misfits promotion, which hosts these crossover events, has become a platform for various celebrities and online personalities to engage in boxing. Essex's inclusion reflects the growing trend of non-professional athletes competing in high-profile, televised bouts.
As he approaches his second fight, Essex remains focused on the technical aspects of his training. His preparation under the tutelage of Tony Sims is aimed at ensuring he is better equipped for the demands of the ring than he was during his debut.
The fight against Dapper Laughs is expected to draw significant attention from fans of both the reality television and influencer boxing spheres. The event will serve as a test of Essex's progress since his victory over Barbosa earlier this year.
With the support of his family and the professional guidance of Sims, Essex continues to pursue his interest in the sport. His performance on Saturday will determine his trajectory within the Misfits promotion and his future in the ring.
The transition from reality television to the boxing ring has been a notable journey for the 36-year-old. Having previously travelled the world for Channel 4's Educating Joey Essex, he is now focused on the discipline required for combat sports.
The Misfits promotion has carved out a niche in the sports entertainment industry by pairing celebrities with influencers. This format has attracted significant viewership, providing a platform for individuals like Essex to test their mettle in a controlled environment.
Training in Stapleford Abbotts, Essex has been exposed to the rigorous standards maintained by Tony Sims. The gym has a reputation for producing elite talent, and Sims' involvement adds a layer of professional credibility to Essex's training camp.
The decision to fight Daniel O'Reilly, who is also known for his online presence, follows the established pattern of influencer boxing. Both participants are expected to bring their respective fanbases to the event, increasing the profile of the match.
Essex's first fight against Joao Barbosa, also known as Numeiro, was a points victory. While successful, the experience highlighted the physical demands of the sport, leading Essex to refine his approach for his second outing in the ring.
The athlete has shown a clear commitment to his training regimen, despite his other professional obligations. His dedication to the sport is evidenced by his ongoing collaboration with his uncle and his willingness to step into the ring again.
The boxing community has observed the rise of influencer bouts with varying degrees of interest. For Essex, the motivation remains personal, rooted in his family's history and a desire to challenge himself beyond the confines of his television career.
As Saturday approaches, the focus for Essex is on executing the game plan developed with his team. He aims to demonstrate the progress he has made since his debut, hoping for a cleaner performance than his previous "slugfest" outing.
The broader impact of such events on the sport of boxing remains a subject of debate. However, for the participants involved, the opportunity to compete at a high-profile level provides a unique experience that few other platforms can offer.
Ultimately, the fight in Bermondsey represents another chapter in Joey Essex's career. Whether he continues to pursue further bouts will likely depend on his performance this weekend and his ongoing commitment to the training process under Tony Sims.
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