Joey Essex emerged victorious in his first boxing match against influencer Numeiro after a tough battle in the ring. Trained by his uncle Tony, who previously coached Anthony Joshua, Essex gained fame from his appearances on “The Only Way Is Essex” and “Love Island.” His long-standing ambition to fight in the influencer boxing promotion Misfits finally came to fruition.
Bringing a unique entrance with a singer and two violinists in Manchester, Essex initially struggled in the first round but landed a significant right hook on Numeiro. Despite the initial success, Essex missed the opportunity to capitalize on his momentum, allowing his opponent to recover.
Both fighters came out aggressively in the second round, with Essex landing effective punches that energized the crowd. However, there was concern that Essex had exhausted himself as Numeiro ended the round with the upper hand.
The intensity escalated in the third round, with the audience, including former world champion Tony Bellew, on their feet. Numeiro received a standing count from the referee, indicating he needed a knockout to win, while Essex displayed remarkable stamina throughout the match.
As the final round commenced, Numeiro staged a potential comeback, causing Essex to receive a count early on. Both fighters exhibited strong resilience and traded blows in the center of the ring, showcasing their determination and skill.
The fight went to the distance, and after a tense wait, Essex was declared the winner by two of the three judges. Overwhelmed with joy, Essex collapsed in celebration, contrasting with Numeiro’s disappointment at the outcome.
Earlier in the event, Demi Sims, Essex’s cousin and former TOWIE co-star, secured a victory in her debut fight, defeating Nadeshi Hopkins. Additionally, Amir Anderson impressed with a stoppage win against Vitor Siqueira, and Carla Jade successfully defended her lightweight title.
Rahim Pardesi settled a feud with Amadeusz Ferrari in their match, culminating in Pardesi knocking out his opponent in the final round. Meanwhile, Chase DeMoor retained his heavyweight title in a peculiar stoppage against Natan Marcon, who had provoked DeMoor with an egg throw during their pre-fight confrontation.
Ty Mitchell, a former sparring partner of Tyson Fury, achieved a significant win over Sean Hemphill, enhancing his record in the boxing world. Despite a troubled past, Mitchell’s victory marked a notable milestone in his career.
The event showcased a variety of intense matches, highlighting the determination and skill of the fighters as they competed for victory in the ring.