Only way for Essex is to pack a punch

I HAVE only met Joey Essex in passing. I can’t comment on his boxing ability, but I do know his uncle, and he would not let him anywhere near a professional ring if he was hopeless.

- BARRY McGUIGAN

Joey (above) is part of the celebrity boxing cult pioneered by Jake Paul. It's not for me, but it does bring eyeballs to the sport. As long as the fighters have basic competence, there is no harm done.

Joey, trained by his uncle Tony Sims, is making his debut on the ‘Misfits’ show in Manchester, a lineup of influencers, wannabees and crossover MMA fighters seeking a wider audience through celebrity combat. I have been here before with Andrew Flintoff, the ex-England cricketer (below) who wanted to give the sport a go. He won his first bout, but decided it wasn't for him.