Joey Essex emerged victorious in his boxing debut following a tough battle against influencer Numeiro. Trained by his uncle Tony, who previously mentored Anthony Joshua, Essex gained fame through appearances on “The Only Way Is Essex” and “Love Island” before pursuing a fight in the influencer boxing promotion Misfits.
Entering the ring in Manchester amidst a musical ensemble, Essex faced a challenging start in the first round but managed to land a significant right hook on Numeiro. Despite this, he failed to capitalize on the advantage, allowing his opponent to recover.
Both fighters unleashed a flurry of punches at the beginning of the second round, with Essex landing more effectively and energizing the crowd. However, there was concern that Essex had exhausted himself as Numeiro finished the round strongly.
The intensity escalated in the third round, captivating the audience and drawing former world champion Tony Bellew to his feet. Numeiro received a standing count, indicating a potential need for a knockout to secure victory, while Essex showcased impressive endurance.
As the final round commenced, Numeiro staged a potential comeback, prompting a count against Essex. Despite their novice status, both fighters demonstrated remarkable resilience, exchanging blows at the center of the ring.
The fight endured until the end, with two out of three judges declaring Essex the winner. Overjoyed by the announcement, Essex collapsed in celebration, contrasting Numeiro’s disappointment.
Earlier in the event, Demi Sims, Essex’s former TOWIE co-star and cousin, secured a victory in her debut fight against Nadeshi Hopkins. Additionally, Amir Anderson claimed another stoppage win against Vitor Siqueira, while Carla Jade successfully defended her lightweight title.
Rahim Pardesi concluded a contentious feud with Amadeusz Ferrari by winning in the final round, delivering a decisive blow that sent Ferrari to the canvas.
Chase DeMoor retained his heavyweight title in a peculiar stoppage against Natan Marcon, who had instigated an altercation by hurling an egg at DeMoor during the week. Despite the chaos, DeMoor swiftly defended his title with a well-placed uppercut.
Ty Mitchell, a former sparring partner of Tyson Fury, achieved a significant victory over world-ranked American Sean Hemphill after ten rounds. Mitchell, who had previously served a seven-year sentence for manslaughter, improved his record to 4-2, with his losses dating back to 2011.