Joey Essex Returns to the Ring as Misfits Boxing Brings Star-Studded Card to London

Joey Essex is stepping back into the boxing ring on Saturday night, headlining Misfits Boxing's return to London.

The reality TV star faces comedian Dapper Laughs in the super-middleweight main event at the Copper Box Arena, 14 months after winning his boxing debut by majority decision in Manchester. The card airs exclusively on DAZN, with Essex expected to make his ringwalk after 9:15pm UK time following Friday's weigh-ins.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, the 36-year-old said his preparation had been relentless — early mornings and long days in the gym — and revealed he comes from boxing stock: his uncle is renowned trainer Tony Sims. Essex admitted his first fight drew heavy judgement and that he is out to move to 2-0.

The undercard mixes celebrity and genuine combat-sport pedigree. Former West Ham and Aston Villa defender James Collins puts on the gloves for the first time against content creator Big Stacks, while Plinio Cruz — the head coach behind two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira — returns to fighting at 40 for his Misfits Boxing debut. Cruz was originally lined up against the promotion's heavyweight champion Chase DeMoor, but an eye injury to DeMoor means his coach Gary Olive steps in instead.

Carla Jade and Erika Night contest the Misfits women's lightweight title, with Swarmz vs Ambush and a tag-team bout also on the bill. Essex enters at 1-0 and will expect a comfortable second win — but Misfits bills rarely go entirely to script.