Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 12, 2024 6:20 pm GMT
Reality TV star Joey Essex is on the verge of making a surprising career switch from television to boxing, eyeing a high-stakes fight worth £1 million against some prominent names in the sport. Essex, already a familiar face from shows like “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE) and “Love Island,” is stepping into the boxing ring as he seeks new challenges and potential financial rewards. The move comes at a time when Essex is reportedly facing significant financial pressures, including a hefty tax bill and business debts.
A New Venture Into Boxing
Joey Essex, now 34 years old, is not just a reality television personality but also a fitness enthusiast who has developed a keen interest in boxing. He is currently in negotiations with celebrity boxing promoters Misfits Boxing, which has been at the forefront of the influencer boxing trend. His first fight is tentatively scheduled for November in Qatar, and discussions are ongoing about potential opponents.
Possible contenders for the ring include:
- Tommy Fury
- KSI (Olajide Olatunji)
- Jake Paul
- Deji Olatunji
Essex’s connections in the boxing world are significant. His uncle, Tony Sims, is a well-known trainer who has worked with prominent fighters like Anthony Joshua. This family background seems to bolster Essex’s credibility as he transitions into the sport.
Inside Misfits Boxing
Misfits Boxing has gained prominence for organizing crossover fights that blend traditional boxing with celebrity entertainment. Mams Taylor, co-founder of Misfits Boxing, expressed enthusiasm for Joey’s potential in the sport:
“Joey’s got a family background in boxing so I think he’s excited to get in the ring and we’re excited to have him,” Taylor stated. He added that Sass would be fully dedicated to this endeavor and has been actively discussing his boxing future with the team.
Facing Financial Pressures
This new boxing career path comes as Essex confronts financial difficulties. Recent reports indicated that he received a tax bill nearing £300,000 shortly after returning to the UK. In addition, he is expected to repay a £30,000 COVID Bounce Back Loan which was part of government efforts to support businesses during the pandemic.
A source familiar with his situation noted: “Joey has always been into his fitness, but in recent years has become more passionate about boxing. He is excited about this new venture and looks forward to one day taking on the titans of the ropes.”
The Road Ahead
The prospect of a boxing match for Joey Essex raises questions about how he will fare in the ring against seasoned opponents. While Essex has assured fans of his dedication to training, many are curious about whether he can gain the skills needed to compete at a high level:
- Training intensity: Essex will need to commit to rigorous training to build his boxing skills.
- Heath investment: Boxing requires not just skill but a substantial investment in physical conditioning.
- Brand building: How Essex can leverage his television fame to garner interest in his boxing career.
His previous claims of being ready to “WALLOP” KSI and existing tensions with other influencers only add to the intrigue surrounding his upcoming fights.
Conclusion
Joey Essex is making a big change from being a reality TV star to becoming a boxer. This shift shows how much he loves the sport and also how important it is for him to make money. Many people are interested in this new path he’s taking, and it could grab the attention of fans from both reality shows and boxing. As talks keep going on about his upcoming fights, everyone is excited to see who he will face in the ring and how this surprising journey will turn out.
