Joey Essex wants to 'put respect on his name' in Misfits Boxing debut

TV personality Joey Essex says he hopes to 'put respect on his name' when he makes his Misfits Boxing debut.

The 35-year-old rose to fame for his leading role in the Only Way is Essex between 2011 and 2013 and has subsequently starred in countless reality TV programmes, gaining a loyal following in the process.

But as Essex prepares to make his boxing bow on August 30th, taking on Portuguese influencer Numeiro as part of the upcoming Misfits card, he is determined to show critics that he is more than just a social media star.

Essex wants respect

In an exclusive chat with Boxing Now, Essex explained what he hopes to achieve from entering the boxing world.

He explained: "I'm doing it – obviously there's financial benefits – but I think primarily, to put a bit of respect on my name, I guess.

"And also, to show a different side to me as well. I think everyone looks at me and thinks, 'Oh Joey is that silly boy from television, he doesn't really understand what's going on in life'.

"So this is why I'm doing it. I'm trying to show people I have got a brain."

Thick skin will prove useful in the ring

Often a figure of ridicule and perceived as being unintelligent, Essex believes that the thick skin he has developed from his TV career will serve him well in the ring.

"I've learnt to have the p**s taken out of me all of my life," he explained.

"That's how I earn, that's how I did well. I'm not afraid to embarrass myself or have someone embarrass me. I'm a pro at that.

"You can never embarrass me because when someone tries to do it, everyone claps and laughs. And I think, 'Wicked, the views are going up'.

"I'm not a comedian but people find me funny. And it isn't fake but obviously, when the TV cameras are on for certain shows, you need a certain persona."

Ready for the test

Having previously made it to the final six contestants on Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins, which puts contestants through their physical paces in the extreme, Essex knows his more serious side will be required once the gloves are laced up.

And he insists all of his training, which is being led by his uncle – established trainer Tony Sims – is being handled with the utmost professionalism.

Essex explained: "A lot of the TV shows I go on, I'm there to have a laugh.

"But with things like that, and this training – yeah, you have a laugh after training but when I'm here, it's serious.

"I don't mind people seeing this side of me because I am a serious guy. This is the normal me.

"I'm not sat at home doing cartwheels and stuff. I'm a serious person."

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